What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spindly
Example
The spindly legs of the table made it wobble when we put something heavy on it. [spindly: adjective]
Example
The spindly tree branches swayed in the wind, making them look like they might snap at any moment. [spindly: adjective]
gangling
Example
The gangling teenager struggled to fit into the small car, his long legs crammed into the backseat. [gangling: adjective]
Example
The gangling foal stumbled around the field, trying to get used to its long, spindly legs. [gangling: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gangling is slightly more common than spindly in everyday language, but both words are relatively uncommon and may not be encountered frequently by English learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spindly and gangling?
Both spindly and gangling are relatively informal words, but they can be used in formal writing or speech when appropriate. However, there are more formal synonyms available for both words, such as 'slender' or 'lanky' for gangling, and 'fragile' or 'delicate' for spindly.
