Describing things
Learn the English adjectives to describe the quality, durability, and function of objects, from fragile to user-friendly.
How do you want to practice?
Flashcards
Flip each card and rate how well you remembered it. That is how we learn when to show it to you again.
Learn
A quiz that adapts to your pace: multiple choice that progresses to typing the answer.
Write
Listen to the word and type it. Great for practicing spelling and pronunciation.
Match
Match the words against the clock. A fun, low-pressure way to review.
Terms in this deck
- sturdystrongly built and not easily broken
- flexibleable to bend without breaking
- rigidstiff and unable to bend
- durableable to last a long time without damage
- worn-outdamaged from a lot of use
- functionalworking properly and serving its purpose
- reliableconsistently working well
- unreliablenot working consistently well
- waterproofnot letting water through
- portableeasy to carry or move
- disposablemeant to be thrown away after use
- reusableable to be used more than once
- handmademade by hand, not by machine
- versatileable to be used for many different purposes
- practicaluseful and sensible
- usefulhelpful for doing something
- uselessnot helpful for anything
- complicateddifficult to understand or use
- user-friendlyeasy to use, even for beginners
- outdatedno longer modern or in use
- cutting-edgeusing the newest, most advanced technology
- high-qualitymade very well
- low-qualitynot made very well
- secondhandpreviously owned, not new
- brand-newnew and never used
- custom-mademade specially to fit someone's exact needs
- adjustableable to be changed to fit different needs
- foldableable to be folded for storage
- compactsmall and taking up little space
- bulkylarge and difficult to carry
- lightweightweighing very little
- shockproofable to survive being dropped or hit
- multi-purposedesigned for several different uses
- stylishfashionable and attractive
- trendycurrently popular or fashionable
- classica well-established style that doesn't go out of fashion
- timelessalways stylish, never goes out of fashion
- gimmickyrelying on a novelty trick rather than real value
- defectivehaving a fault or flaw
- faultynot working correctly because of a defect
- top-notchexcellent, of the highest quality
- state-of-the-artusing the most modern and advanced methods
- budget-friendlyaffordable, not expensive
- heavy-dutystrongly made for hard or heavy use
- flimsythin and easily broken or damaged
- indestructibleimpossible to destroy or break
- delicateeasily damaged and needing careful handling
- airtightsealed so no air can get in or out
- leak-proofmade so liquid cannot escape
- see-throughclear enough to see what is on the other side
- one-size-fits-allmade in a single size meant to fit everyone
- limited editionmade in a small quantity that will not be repeated
- knockoffa cheap illegal copy of a famous brand
- genuinereal, not a copy or fake
- fakenot real, made to look like the real thing
- oversizedmuch bigger than the usual size
- ergonomicdesigned to be comfortable and efficient to use
How to study this deck
These adjectives describe the quality and use of objects: sturdy, durable, waterproof, portable. They are very useful when shopping, writing reviews or describing a product. Group them by characteristic (strength, use, material) and practice describing objects at home: "This bag is sturdy and waterproof".
The trickiest words
- durable: it means lasting a long time, different from "sturdy" (strong against impact).
- disposable: it means meant to be thrown away after use. The opposite is "reusable".
- handmade: it means made by hand, not mass-produced. It is written as one word.
Examples in context
This table is really sturdy.
That brand is unreliable.
It's a practical gift.
These are high-quality materials.
It's a compact car.
It's a classic design.
It's a budget-friendly option.
The bag has a see-through pocket.
Mini dialogue
- A: Is this backpack good?
- B: Yes, it is sturdy, waterproof and very portable.
- A: And that bag?
- B: It is handmade, but not very durable. It is a bit worn-out.