# stench

/ˈstɛntʃ/ (US) · /stˈɛntʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stench
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a foul smell

noun · CEFR B2

a very strong, bad smell that is hard to ignore.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. figurative corruption

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a bad quality or feeling that surrounds a situation, like a bad smell.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The stench of rotting garbage filled the alley.
- When the workers opened the old basement door, they were hit by the damp stench of stagnant water.
- Despite the heavy use of industrial fans, the metallic stench of the factory floor clung to the workers' clothes long after their shifts had ended.

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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.