lanky

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "lanky" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You could use it to describe someone who is tall and thin, or something that appears to be thin and long. For example: "The lanky palm tree swayed gently in the breeze."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Arts

Tech

Culture

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The lanky, affable Krasinski then spent he better part of a minute untying his tongue on the subject of cinematic manipulation and why it was a Bad Thing, all the while wiggling his feet, as if awaiting rescue from the school bell.

The Guardian - Film

In America, male body shapes will wax and wane – over a period of half a decade, they might go from the "jock" to something skinny and then creep back to the current vogue, the "swimmer's" body – that is, not such a meathead that you could beat anybody up, but not so lanky that you look pubescent.

The Guardian - Film

Pharrell Williams, who is featured in Daft Punk's Get Lucky, delivered the thank you speech for the lanky performers that do not speak in costume, or at least can't be heard.

The Guardian - Music

Valk, who is tall and lanky with sandy blond hair, has an easy smile and outgoing demeanor.

The Guardian - Tech

He was unusually muscular and well-built for a 12-year-old, and I was just as oddly tall and lanky for a kid the same age.

The Guardian

Related: Home is where the art is: narratives of nationhood For a bespectacled, spotty, lanky boy with a weird love for the Jesus and Mary Chain, Stockport town centre was also a fine breeding ground for watchfulness.

The Guardian

Gary Keedy's move south from Lancashire made sense for him and for The Oval dressing room after its traumatic 2012, but it didn't feel quite right to fans – Keedy is a Lanky man, even if he was born on the wrong side of the border.

The Guardian - Sport

The one piece of good news for Sutton came before the kick-off when Rosario, the lanky Norwich striker they feared, was declared unfit.

The Guardian - Sport

Lucas Cranach the Elder painted nudes with a lanky, bony beauty – the Renaissance's answer to heroin chic.

The Guardian - Arts

A lanky, short-haired boyish presence, and someone whose repudiation of her female identity leads to disaster.

The Guardian

But he never doubted the lanky Maasai.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lanky" to vividly describe someone tall and thin, particularly when suggesting a degree of ungracefulness or awkwardness. It adds a specific nuance beyond simply stating someone is tall or thin.

Common error

Avoid using "lanky" when you simply mean "thin". "Lanky" implies height and often a lack of coordination. If the subject isn't tall or their height isn't relevant, choose a more appropriate word like "slim" or "thin".

Linguistic Context

The word "lanky" primarily functions as an adjective. It's used to describe nouns, typically people, animals, or objects, characterized by being tall and thin. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is often used to suggest a degree of ungracefulness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

25%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Arts

7%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "lanky" is a common and acceptable adjective used to describe something or someone tall and thin, often with long limbs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used. While it is versatile, remember that "lanky" specifically implies height; consider alternatives such as "slim" or "thin" if the height is not relevant. Ludwig's examples highlight that the word is most often used in news and media sources, and is also found in encyclopedias, emphasizing its descriptive and evocative qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gangling

Emphasizes awkwardness and uncoordinated movements due to being tall and thin.

rangy

Suggests a lean and long-limbed build, often associated with athleticism or being well-built.

gaunt

Focuses more on thinness, potentially due to illness or age, rather than just height.

scrawny

Highlights thinness and lack of muscle, often implying weakness.

spindly

Suggests a thin and weak build.

skinny

A general term for thinness, without necessarily implying height or awkwardness.

ungainly

Emphasizes the awkwardness and lack of grace in movement or appearance.

tall and thin

A more descriptive and less evocative alternative.

slim

Implies a graceful thinness.

leggy

Focuses specifically on having long legs.

FAQs

How do I use "lanky" in a sentence?

You can use "lanky" to describe someone or something tall and thin, especially with a slightly awkward or uncoordinated appearance. For example: "The "lanky teenager" struggled to dribble the basketball".

What are some synonyms for "lanky"?

Synonyms for "lanky" include "gangling", "rangy", "gaunt", and "scrawny". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "lanky" and "skinny"?

"Lanky" suggests being tall and thin, often with long limbs and a slightly awkward appearance. "Skinny" simply means thin, without necessarily implying height or awkwardness.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "lanky"?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the context. If the person is sensitive about their height or build, using a more neutral term like "tall" might be preferable. It depends on your relationship and the person's personality.