stink
B1Informal, sometimes vulgar.
Definition
Meaning
To emit a strong, unpleasant smell.
To be extremely bad, unpleasant, or of very low quality; to be morally reprehensible or scandalous.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily denotes a very strong, offensive odor (stronger than 'smell' or 'reek'). Figurative use implies strong disapproval, often of a situation's unfairness or poor quality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun 'stink' is slightly more common in American English for figurative use (e.g., 'raise a stink'). The past tense 'stank' is standard in both, but 'stunk' is sometimes used informally in AmE.
Connotations
Equally strong and informal in both varieties. The verb is considered mild, but the noun can be childish or crude.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both. Figurative use is common in informal news and commentary.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[V] (intransitive): The bin stinks.[V + of + N]: It stinks of fish.[V + adj]: The deal stinks unfair.[V + N] (transitive, informal): You stink the whole room out!Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “raise a stink (about something)”
- “stink to high heaven”
- “stink bomb”
- “come out/up smelling of roses”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Figurative: 'The latest sales figures stink.' Used informally to express failure.
Academic
Rare, except in informal speech. Possibly in literature for vivid description.
Everyday
Very common for bad smells and expressing strong dislike: 'This milk stinks.' 'The situation stinks.'
Technical
Not used in formal technical contexts (e.g., chemistry uses 'odour', 'emit volatiles').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Your football kit absolutely stinks - put it in the wash!
- The whole business deal stank of corruption from the start.
American English
- This garbage stinks! Take it out already.
- His apology stunk of insincerity.
adverb
British English
- Rare. 'He played stink badly.' (informal, childish)
American English
- Rare. 'We got beat stink bad in the game.' (informal)
adjective
British English
- He's a stink player, never scores.
- We had a stink time at that restaurant.
American English
- That was a stink movie, a complete waste of money.
- He's in a stink mood today.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The fish stinks. Let's throw it away.
- My shoes stink after football.
- Something in the fridge stinks of old cheese.
- It stinks in here; open a window!
- The company's environmental record stinks, and everyone knows it.
- He made a real stink when they overcharged him.
- The political fix stank to high heaven, leading to multiple resignations.
- Despite the scandal, the CEO came up smelling of roses.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SINK full of rotten food – it would STINK.
Conceptual Metaphor
BAD IS SMELLY (Moral corruption is a foul odor).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'пахнуть' for neutral smells. 'Stink' is exclusively negative and strong.
- The noun 'stench' is closer to 'вонь' than the more general 'smell' ('запах').
- Figurative 'stinks' is like 'отдает' or 'попахивает' in Russian (e.g., 'Это дело отдает мошенничеством.').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'stink' as a neutral verb (e.g., 'It stinks of roses' is wrong).
- Confusing past forms: 'stank' (simple past) vs. 'stunk' (past participle).
- Overusing in formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'stink' figuratively?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and can be considered mildly vulgar, especially the noun. It's not appropriate for formal contexts but is common in casual speech.
The standard simple past is 'stank' (e.g., It stank yesterday). The past participle is 'stunk' (e.g., It has stunk for days). 'Stunk' is sometimes used informally for the simple past in AmE.
Yes. As a noun, it means 'a strong, unpleasant smell' or 'a fuss or scandal' (e.g., 'kick up a stink').
'Smell' is neutral (can be good or bad). 'Stink' is always a strong, bad smell. 'Stink' is also more informal and emotive.
Explore