crooked
/ˈkrʊkɪd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkrʊkɪd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkru̇-kəd/ (ame, mw)
crooked — adjective
- crookedpositive
- more crookedcomparative
- most crookedsuperlative
1. having a shape that is not straight, smooth, or even — for example, a road that
having a shape that is not straight, smooth, or even — for example, a road that bends left and right, or a picture that is not level on the wall.
The crooked path led through the forest to a small wooden bridge.
crooked + noun describing physical objects
Léa noticed the painting was crooked and gently straightened it on the wall.
be + crooked in predicative position
The country road was so crooked that drivers slowed down at every bend.
Walid drew a crooked line across the page to show where the river flowed.
The crooked branches of the old apple tree scraped against the window.
- bent
More general than crooked; can describe intentional bending (e.g. a bent paperclip), while crooked often suggests something that should be straight but is not.
- twisted
Stronger than crooked; suggests something has been forced or deformed out of shape, often with spirals or warps.
- winding
Used specifically for roads, paths, and rivers; suggests gentle, continuous curves rather than sharp bends or irregular shapes.
- curved
More neutral and often positive than crooked; describes a smooth, continuous arch or bow shape (e.g. a curved line, a curved bridge).
- straight
The most direct opposite — describes something that continues in one direction without bending.
文法句型
crooked + noun (a crooked line / a crooked path)
be / look / seem + crooked (The picture is crooked.)
用法筆記
Can describe lines, roads, body parts (crooked fingers, a crooked nose, a crooked smile), or objects that should be straight but are not. The comparative form is most commonly 'more crooked', though 'crookeder' is used informally. The opposite is 'straight'.
常見錯誤
2. not honest and willing to lie, cheat, or break the law for personal money or adv
not honest and willing to lie, cheat, or break the law for personal money or advantage — for example, a public official who takes secret payments, or a business deal that is designed to trick people.
The reporter spent two years investigating the crooked business deals in the city.
crooked + deal / business (attributive use with activities)
Paloma warned her friend not to work for the crooked landlord.
crooked + noun describing a dishonest person
Several crooked officials were sent to prison for taking bribes from companies.
Maeve refused to sign the contract because the whole plan felt crooked and unfair.
The newspaper called the mayor the most crooked politician the town had ever seen.
- dishonest
A more general term than crooked; describes someone who lies or deceives, but not necessarily in a systematic or professional way.
- corrupt
More specific than crooked; describes people in positions of authority who accept bribes or misuse power for personal gain. More formal and common in legal contexts.
- shady
Informal alternative to crooked; describes something suspicious or of doubtful honesty, but the wrongdoing is less certain or clear than with 'crooked'.
- fraudulent
Formal and legal term; describes actions that involve deliberate deception for financial gain, such as fake documents or false claims.
文法句型
crooked + noun referring to a person or activity (a crooked politician / a crooked deal)
be / seem / feel + crooked (The system seems crooked.)
用法筆記
Most commonly used before a noun (attributive position), describing people in positions of power or their actions. Stronger than 'dishonest' — it implies active wrongdoing and a pattern of cheating, not just a one-time failure to be truthful. Often appears in news reports about politics and business scandals.