Word
rubbery
Phoneticsrub·bery
US/ˈɹəbɝi/
UK/ɹˈʌbəɹi/
Definition
adj. soft and bendy like rubber, that stretches and springs back when you pull it.
adj. resembling rubber in texture and elasticity — flexible, slightly soft, and able to bend or stretch without breaking. Often used negatively for overcooked food with an unpleasantly chewy texture.
Examples
“This cheese feels rubbery and hard to chew.”
“The calamari turned rubbery because the cook fried it for too long.”
“After hours in the freezer, the once-crisp dough had taken on a rubbery consistency that resisted even a sharp knife.”
Examples
simple
“This cheese feels rubbery and hard to chew.”
contextual
“The calamari turned rubbery because the cook fried it for too long.”
complex
“After hours in the freezer, the once-crisp dough had taken on a rubbery consistency that resisted even a sharp knife.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “rubbery” in context.
Verb
01. become rubbery
“The bread became rubbery after it was left out overnight.”
verb + adj
02. feel rubbery
“My legs felt rubbery after running up the steep hill.”
verb + adj
03. turn rubbery
“The squid will turn rubbery if you cook it too long.”
verb + adj
Adjective
04. slightly rubbery
“The noodles were slightly rubbery because they were undercooked.”
adv + adj
05. strangely rubbery
“The toy had a strangely rubbery surface that stretched easily.”
adv + adj
06. unpleasantly rubbery
“The cold pizza cheese had become unpleasantly rubbery.”
adv + adj
Noun
07. rubbery chicken
“We overcooked the chicken and it came out tough and rubbery.”
adj + noun
08. rubbery legs
“After the roller coaster, she walked off with rubbery legs.”
adj + noun
09. rubbery texture
“The mushrooms had a soft, rubbery texture I did not like.”
adj + noun
10. legs go rubbery with fear
“My legs went rubbery with fear when I looked down from the tower.”
11. tough and rubbery meat
“They served us tough and rubbery meat that was hard to chew.”
12. turn rubbery when overcooked
“Prawns turn rubbery when overcooked, so grill them briefly.”
Real-World Examples
“Most of us have silicone in our homes, especially in the kitchen, where it is often found as a rubbery coating that is long-lasting, water-repellent and, crucially, slippery.” “These temperatures are high enough to trigger the fat degradation and oxidation discussed earlier and cause proteins in the flesh to break down—often giving the fish a rubbery texture.” “Hematomas are usually painful and may make the skin over it feel raised, spongy, rubbery, and/or lumpy.” Etymology
From rubber + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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