Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having an unpleasant or offensive smell; malodorous. This word describes something that emits a bad odor, often considered strong, disagreeable, or repulsive.

Usage

• The word "ill-scented" is a compound adjective used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "be" or "smell"). It is a formal or literary synonym for "smelly" or "foul-smelling."

Examples

• Attributive use (before a noun):

  • The explorers avoided the ill-scented swamp.
  • He disposed of the ill-scented garbage immediately.

• Predicative use (after a linking verb):

  • The old cheese was ill-scented.
  • The room became ill-scented after the chemical spill.

Advanced Usage

• "Ill-scented" can be used in figurative contexts to describe something morally repugnant or distasteful, though this is less common.
  • The ill-scented rumors spread quickly through the town.

Variants and Related Words

• Ill-smelling (adj): A direct synonym with identical meaning.
• Foul-smelling (adj): Having a disgusting smell.
• Malodorous (adj): A more formal term for having a bad smell.
• Fetid (adj): Smelling extremely unpleasant.
• Putrid (adj): Decomposed and smelling foul.
• Rank (adj): Having a strong, unpleasant smell.
• Funky (adj, informal): Having a strong, unpleasant smell, especially of something stale or musty.

Synonyms

• Foul
• Stinking
• Noisome
• Reeking
• Pungent (when unpleasantly strong)

Antonyms

• Fragrant
• Aromatic
• Sweet-smelling
• Perfumed
• Redolent

Adjective

1. offensively malodorous
   • a foul odor
   • the kitchen smelled really funky