skyscraper
B1Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
A very tall building with many storeys.
Any exceptionally tall structure; metaphorically, something that stands out dramatically in height or achievement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term implies modern construction (late 19th century onward) and is typically applied to buildings in urban settings. It carries connotations of engineering achievement, economic power, and urban density.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The concept originated in the US, but the word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
In British English, it may more strongly evoke images of specific global cities (e.g., New York, Dubai), whereas in American English, it is a more commonplace term for tall urban buildings.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the greater number of such buildings and the term's origin.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + skyscraper (e.g., construct, design, demolish)skyscraper + [prepositional phrase] (e.g., in the city, of glass)adjective + skyscraperVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A skyscraper of paperwork (metaphorical for a large pile)”
- “Reach for the sky(scraper) (ambition metaphor)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to corporate headquarters, symbols of economic power, and real estate developments.
Academic
Used in urban studies, architecture, and engineering contexts discussing design, history, and social impact.
Everyday
Used to describe impressive tall buildings in cities.
Technical
In architecture/engineering, may have specific definitions based on height (e.g., over 150 metres).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The city centre is being skyscrapered with new developments.
- They plan to skyscraper the entire docklands area.
American English
- Developers are looking to skyscraper that lot.
- The zoning laws changed to allow them to skyscraper the block.
adjective
British English
- The city's skyscraper skyline is iconic.
- We studied skyscraper architecture.
American English
- It was a skyscraper project that took a decade.
- He works in skyscraper construction.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I can see a big skyscraper from my window.
- The city has many skyscrapers.
- The new skyscraper is the tallest building in the country.
- We took a lift to the top of the skyscraper to see the view.
- The construction of the skyscraper was delayed due to planning objections.
- Architects designed the skyscraper to withstand strong winds.
- The proliferation of skyscrapers has fundamentally altered the city's microclimate and social dynamics.
- Critics argue that the new skyscraper is a monument to corporate excess rather than architectural innovation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a building so tall it seems to 'scrape' the 'sky' with its top.
Conceptual Metaphor
AMBITION IS HEIGHT / PROGRESS IS UPWARDS (e.g., 'skyscraper ambitions').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'небоскрёб' for every tall building; in English, it specifically implies a very tall, modern urban structure, not just any multi-storey building ('многоэтажка').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'skyscraper' for any apartment block (overuse).
- Misspelling as 'sky-scraper' (hyphen is archaic).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate definition of a 'skyscraper'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no universally agreed minimum. Historically, it meant buildings over 10 storeys. Today, it often implies buildings over 40-50 storeys or 150 metres, but context is key.
It is a standard, neutral term used in both everyday and formal contexts (e.g., news, academic papers).
Yes, but it is informal and relatively rare. It means to build skyscrapers in an area (e.g., 'They skyscrapered the coastline').
They are often synonyms. However, 'high-rise' is broader and can refer to any tall building (e.g., apartment blocks), while 'skyscraper' typically implies exceptional height and often a more iconic or commercial function.
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