# askew

/əˈskju/ (US) · /ɐskjˈuː/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/askew
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

slanted or not in a straight line. You use this to describe something that is tilted or not sitting properly.

For teachers: slanting or not in a straight line; out of alignment. Often used to describe physical objects or, figuratively, a person's posture or a situation that is slightly off.

## Examples

- The picture is hanging slightly askew on the wall.
- The old wooden fence was leaning so far askew that it looked like it might fall over in the next wind.
- The detective's hat sat slightly askew, a detail that added to his rugged, slightly disheveled appearance as he surveyed the crime scene.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.