Learn how to use the comparative “ickier” and superlative “ickiest” with example sentences and differences.

What is the comparative form of “icky”?

The comparative form of “icky” is “ickier”.

Example

The slimy slug is ickier than the smooth snail.

Example

The rotten egg smelled ickier than anything I've ever encountered.

What is the superlative form of “icky”?

The superlative form of “icky” is “ickiest”.

Example

Among all the bugs, the cockroach is the ickiest.

Example

The moldy bread had the ickiest texture.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

When it comes to the adjective icky, the comparative form is ickier and the superlative form is ickiest. These forms are considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The use of 'more' or 'most' with icky, ickier, and ickiest is not common and may sound awkward. Instead, ickier and ickiest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Icky follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Icky → Ickier Superlative: Icky → Ickiest

Expressions with similar meanings to “ickier”

grosser

Used to describe something that is more disgusting or repulsive

Example

The grosser the food looked, the less I wanted to eat it.

nastier

Similar to ickier, this emphasizes a higher level of unpleasantness

Example

The garbage can had a nastier smell than usual.

more repugnant

A slightly formal way of expressing increased disgust

Example

The more repugnant the odor, the quicker I wanted to leave the room.

Expressions with similar meanings to “ickiest”

grossest

Similar to ickiest, this emphasizes the highest level of disgust

Example

The dumpster behind the restaurant had the grossest smell imaginable.

nastiest

Used to describe the most unpleasant or revolting thing

Example

The public restroom had the nastiest conditions I've ever seen.

most repugnant

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of disgust

Example

The most repugnant taste in the dish made me lose my appetite.

Using than with comparative “ickier”

When using the comparative form ickier to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "The slimy slug is ickier than the smooth snail." Here, than is used to show that the level of 'ickiness' of the slug is greater than that of the snail.

How can I use this expression in context?

“ickier” and “ickiest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

• 1. Food

  The spoiled milk tasted ickier than anything I've ever tried.

  The spoiled milk tasted ickier than anything I've ever tried.

• 2. Animals

  The slimy snake was the ickiest creature I've ever encountered.

  The slimy snake was the ickiest creature I've ever encountered.

• 3. Substances

  The sticky substance on the floor felt ickier than glue.

  The sticky substance on the floor felt ickier than glue.

• 4. Situations

  The dirty public restroom was the ickiest place I've ever been in.

  The dirty public restroom was the ickiest place I've ever been in.

• 5. Feelings

  The thought of touching a spider gives me the ickiest feeling.

  The thought of touching a spider gives me the ickiest feeling.

Related idioms and phrases

Make your skin crawl

To cause a strong feeling of disgust or unease.

Example

The horror movie was so creepy, it made my skin crawl.

Turn your stomach

To cause a feeling of nausea or disgust.

Example

The sight of the rotten food turned my stomach.

Give someone the creeps

To cause someone to feel uneasy or frightened.

Example

The abandoned house gave me the creeps.