Word
stench
US/ˈstɛntʃ/
UK/stˈɛntʃ/
Definitions
01a foul smell
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a very strong, bad smell that is hard to ignore.
n. a powerful and offensive odour, typically resulting from decay, stagnation, or chemical waste.
“The stench of rotting garbage filled the alleyway on the hot summer day.”
“As the investigators entered the abandoned warehouse, they were met by the overwhelming stench of stagnant water and industrial decay.”
02figurative corruption
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary
n. a bad quality or feeling that surrounds a situation, like a bad smell.
n. a pervasive atmosphere of corruption, failure, or moral decay.
“The stench of the political scandal stayed with the party for years.”
“The stench of desperation was palpable in the boardroom as the executives realised their hostile takeover bid had failed.”
Real-World Examples
“Al Jazeera’s Lucia Newman reports there’s now a stench of bodies, with over 400 people still missing.” “Once again, an exceptionally hot and dry spell has exposed the putrid stench of untreated human waste.” “Emanating from the vast area of farmland directly adjacent to their homes is an unbearable and potentially noxious stench, which has caused vomiting, breathing difficulties, dizziness, swollen eyes and headaches.” “The stench hits you as soon as you begin to drive into Silverdale and can only be described as pungent.” Etymology
From Middle English stench, from Old English stenċ (“stench, odor, fragrance”), from Proto-Germanic stankwiz (“smell, fragrance, odor”), from Proto-Indo-European stengʷ- (“to push, thrust”). Cognate with Dutch stank (“stench, odor”), German Stank, Gestank (“stench, odor, smell”), Danish stank (“stench”), Swedish stank (“stench”), Icelandic stækja (“stench”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
- 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 C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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