Word
stinks
US/ˈstɪŋks/
UK/stˈɪŋks/
Definition
v. to have a very strong and unpleasant smell. You can also use it to say that a situation is very bad or unfair.
v. to emit a strong, foul odour; figuratively, to be of extremely poor quality or to seem dishonest.
Examples
“This old milk really stinks.”
“The whole situation stinks of corruption, and the public is starting to notice the missing funds.”
“While the physical laboratory stinks of sulfur and old chemicals, the researchers find the atmosphere invigorating rather than repulsive.”
Examples
simple
“This old milk really stinks.”
contextual
“The whole situation stinks of corruption, and the public is starting to notice the missing funds.”
complex
“While the physical laboratory stinks of sulfur and old chemicals, the researchers find the atmosphere invigorating rather than repulsive.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'of' when describing a specific smell or quality.
Pitfall
The trash stinks very bad.
The trash stinks very badly.
When modifying the verb 'stink' to describe the intensity, use the adverb 'badly' rather than the adjective 'bad'.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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