Word
skewed
US/ˈskjud/
UK/skjˈuːd/
Definition
adj. not straight or balanced. You use this to describe information or results that are not fair or accurate because they lean too much in one direction.
adj. distorted or biased in a way that makes data or a perspective inaccurate. Often used to describe statistical distributions that are not symmetrical.
Examples
“The survey results are skewed because only young people answered.”
“The study's findings were skewed by the fact that all participants were recruited from a single private hospital.”
“Economists argued that the national average income was heavily skewed by a small number of billionaires, masking the financial reality of the working class.”
Examples
simple
“The survey results are skewed because only young people answered.”
contextual
“The study's findings were skewed by the fact that all participants were recruited from a single private hospital.”
complex
“Economists argued that the national average income was heavily skewed by a small number of billionaires, masking the financial reality of the working class.”
Usage
Commonly used as a participial adjective; often follows linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'become'.
Real-World Examples
“In London, their audience skewed young: The queue for pick and mix was longer than the one for the bar.” “Many studies have also relied on the experience of only one family member, which can produce a skewed picture of family dynamics.” Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/skewed