# stinks

/ˈstɪŋks/ (US) · /stˈɪŋks/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stinks
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to have a very strong and unpleasant smell. You can also use it to say that a situation is very bad or unfair.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The trash stinks very bad." but "The trash stinks very badly." — When modifying the verb 'stink' to describe the intensity, use the adverb 'badly' rather than the adjective 'bad'.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the preposition 'of' when describing a specific smell or quality.

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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.