malodorous

/mæ'loudərəs/
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malodorous

The garbage can in the alley is malodorous.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Having an unpleasant smell: Describes something that emits a bad, offensive, or foul odor.
Usage
  • The word "malodorous" is a formal adjective used to describe a strong, unpleasant smell. It is more academic or literary than common synonyms like "stinky" or "smelly."
  • It typically precedes a noun (e.g., a malodorous substance) or follows a linking verb like "be" or "become" (e.g., The room became malodorous).
Examples
  • The detectives entered the malodorous alley, searching for clues.
  • After weeks in the damp basement, the old carpets had become quite malodorous.
  • The chemical spill created a malodorous cloud that drifted over the neighborhood.
Advanced Usage
  • Scientific/Technical Context: Often used in scientific, medical, or formal reports to describe odors precisely without being colloquial.
    • The researchers noted the malodorous compounds released during decomposition.
  • Figurative/Literary Use: Can be used metaphorically to describe something morally corrupt or offensive.
    • The scandal left a malodorous stain on the politician's reputation.
Variants and Related Words
  • Malodor (noun): An unpleasant smell.
    • The malodor from the factory was a constant complaint from residents.
  • Malodorousness (noun): The state or quality of having a bad smell.
    • The malodorousness of the refuse was overwhelming.
Synonyms
  • Fetid: Smelling extremely unpleasant.
  • Putrid: Decaying and smelling very bad.
  • Rank: Having a strong, unpleasant smell.
  • Rancid: Smelling or tasting unpleasant due to staleness or decomposition (often of fats/oils).
  • Stinking: Emitting a strong, unpleasant smell (more informal).
Antonyms
  • Fragrant: Having a pleasant, sweet smell.
  • Aromatic: Having a strong, pleasant smell.
  • Sweet-smelling: Having a pleasant odor.
Idioms and Phrases
  • While "malodorous" itself is not commonly used in idioms, it fits within the semantic field of phrases about bad smells.
    • To smell to high heaven: To smell very bad.
      • That garbage is starting to smell to high heaven. (This is a more idiomatic way to express a similar idea as "malodorous.")
malodorous

The garbage can in the alley is malodorous.

Adjective
  1. having an unpleasant smell