What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
skunked
Example
I can't drink this beer, it's skunked. [skunked: adjective]
Example
We got skunked in the soccer game, losing 5-0. [skunked: verb]
Example
I was totally skunked by the pop quiz in class today. [skunked: past tense verb]
rotten
Example
This apple tastes rotten, I think it's gone bad. [rotten: adjective]
Example
He's a rotten person, always lying and cheating. [rotten: adjective]
Example
The weather was so rotten on our vacation, we couldn't do anything fun. [rotten: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rotten is more commonly used than skunked in everyday language. Rotten is a more versatile word that can be used in a wider range of contexts, while skunked is more specific and less common.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between skunked and rotten?
Both skunked and rotten are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts. However, rotten may be considered more offensive or vulgar depending on the context in which it is used.