# stinking

/ˈstɪŋkɪŋ/ (US) · /stˈɪŋkɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stinking
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

having a very strong and unpleasant smell. It is also used in a funny way to mean someone is extremely rich.

For teachers: emitting a strong, offensive odour. In informal contexts, it functions as an intensifier, particularly in the phrase 'stinking rich' to describe extreme wealth.

## Examples

- The kitchen bin is stinking after three days.
- He left his stinking gym clothes in the locker for a week, much to the annoyance of his teammates.
- The investigation revealed that while the company claimed to be struggling, the directors were actually stinking rich from offshore investments.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The room was stinking of smoke." but "The room stank of smoke." — While 'stinking' is a common adjective, learners often use it as a continuous verb form where the simple past 'stank' or 'stunk' is more natural for a completed state.

## Usage notes

- Often used as an intensifier before 'rich'. When describing a smell, it can follow linking verbs like 'be' or 'smell'.

---

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.