What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
junk
Example
I need to clean out my closet and get rid of all the junk. [junk: noun]
Example
He junked his old car because it was beyond repair. [junked: past tense verb]
garbage
Example
Don't forget to take out the garbage before you leave. [garbage: noun]
Example
She threw away the empty pizza box in the garbage can. [garbage: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Garbage is more commonly used than junk in everyday language. Garbage is a more general term that covers a wide range of waste materials, while junk is more specific and often used in the context of decluttering or removing unwanted items.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between junk and garbage?
Both junk and garbage are informal words that are used in casual conversation. Neither word is particularly formal or appropriate for professional or academic contexts.
