What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gangster
Example
The gangster was arrested for his involvement in the drug trade. [gangster: noun]
Example
He was known to be a ruthless gangster who would stop at nothing to protect his interests. [gangster: adjective]
criminal
Example
The criminal was sentenced to ten years in prison for his role in the robbery. [criminal: noun]
Example
She had a criminal record for shoplifting when she was younger. [criminal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Criminal is a more common term than gangster and is used in a wider range of contexts. Gangster is often associated with a specific time period or cultural context, such as the Prohibition era in the United States or the Japanese Yakuza.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gangster and criminal?
Both gangster and criminal are informal terms and are not typically used in formal or academic contexts. However, criminal is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels than gangster.
