screwing
- 01 B1 Intermediate
v.the action of turning a screw to fix something in place.
v.the act of fastening, tightening, or adjusting an object using a screw or a twisting motion.
Simple“He spent the afternoon screwing the new shelves into the wall.”
In context“By carefully screwing the mounting brackets into the studs, the technician ensured the heavy display would remain secure.”
UsageOften used with 'in', 'down', or 'on'.
SynonymsAntonymsunscrewing - 02 C1 Advanced
v.treating someone unfairly or cheating them, especially for money.
v.exploiting, cheating, or treating someone with calculated unfairness.
Simple“The company is screwing its workers by cutting their health benefits.”
In context“The contractor was accused of screwing his clients by inflating the cost of materials while providing substandard labor.”
UsageUsually takes a direct object representing the person being cheated.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
n.a very rude and informal word for having sex.
n.an act of sexual intercourse.
Simple“He made a vulgar joke about screwing that offended everyone at the table.”
In context“The film was criticized for its gratuitous scenes of screwing that added little to the actual plot.”
Teacher's tipThis is highly informal and can be offensive; learners should avoid using it in professional or polite social settings.
Synonymsshaggingfucking - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.making a serious mistake or failing at something.
v.blundering or failing significantly; typically used in the phrasal form 'screwing up'.
Simple“I'm terrified of screwing up my driving test tomorrow.”
In context“The intern was worried that screwing up the coffee order would ruin his chances of a permanent job offer.”
UsageAlmost always used with the particle 'up'.
SynonymsAntonyms
“Emboldened by not screwing up the soldering too badly and now having a live display to mess with, I pressed on.”