adj

askew

uh-SKYOO

Askew (adj) means not straight; tilted or crooked to one side. Example: “His tie was askew after the long day at work.”

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adj

Not straight; tilted or crooked to one side.

"His tie was askew after the long day at work."

"The picture frame hung askew on the wall."

How to use askew

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCrooked or out of proper alignment.

Common pairings

hang askew sit askew knocked askew

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Askews
Comparative: more askew
Superlative: most askew

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

His tie was _____ after the long day at work.

Etymology

From a- plus skew.

Synonyms

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agley akilter antigoglin awry cattywampus cockeyed crooked lopsided off-kilter tipsy skewampus skew-whiff

Antonyms

straight true

Related words

not right real bad true original straight direct

Frequently asked questions

What does “askew” mean?

The word “askew” means not straight; tilted or crooked to one side. In plain terms, crooked or out of proper alignment.

How do you pronounce “askew”?

“Askew” is pronounced uh-SKYOO (/əˈskju/ in IPA).

How do you use “askew” in a sentence?

Here is “askew” used in a sentence: “His tie was askew after the long day at work.”

What is another word for “askew”?

Words with a similar meaning to “askew” include agley, akilter, antigoglin, awry, cattywampus and cockeyed.

What is the opposite of “askew”?

The opposite of “askew” — its antonyms — are straight and true.

What part of speech is “askew”?

“Askew” is an adjective.

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