# rubbery

/ˈɹəbɝi/ (US) · /ɹˈʌbəɹi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rubbery
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

soft and bendy like rubber, that stretches and springs back when you pull it.

For teachers: 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.

## Synonyms

elastic, stretchy, Springy

## Antonyms

rigid, stiff, hard, brittle

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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.