creaky

IPA/ˈkriːki/
KK[krˈiki]IPA/ˈkriːki/

creaky — 形容詞

  • creakypositive
  • creakiercomparative
  • creakiestsuperlative

1. A creaky object makes a short, high-pitched sound when it is moved or stepped on

1.形容詞B2
釋義

嘎吱作響的

發出尖銳摩擦聲的

A creaky object makes a short, high-pitched sound when it is moved or stepped on — similar to the noise made by an old door hinge that needs oil.

例句

The old wooden door was so creaky that everyone turned around whenever someone entered.

那扇老舊的木門嘎吱作響，每次有人進出大家都會回頭看。

collocation: creaky wooden door

Mia tiptoed down the creaky stairs, trying not to wake the baby.

Mia 躡手躡腳地走下嘎吱作響的樓梯，盡量不吵醒嬰兒。

collocation: creaky stairs

同義詞
  • squeaky

    higher-pitched sound, often from small objects (shoes, toys, hinges) rather than large structures

  • grating

    harsher, more unpleasant sound; implies irritation rather than age

  • rasping

    rough, scraping sound; typically of breath, voice, or metal-on-metal

反義詞
  • silent

    makes no sound at all

  • smooth

    operates without noise or friction

文法句型

creaky + noun (door, stairs, floor, bed)

linking verb + creaky (sounds, feels)

用法筆記

Frequently used with nouns for parts of buildings (door, stairs, floor, floorboard) and furniture (bed, chair). The sound of creaking is typically lower in pitch than a squeak.

常見錯誤

❌I heard a creaky noise from the kitchen.
✅I heard a creaking noise from the kitchen.
💡'creaky' describes objects that make the sound; 'creaking' describes the sound itself.

2. A creaky system, organization, or piece of equipment is old and no longer works

2.形容詞C1
釋義

老舊失靈的

因老舊而效能不佳的

A creaky system, organization, or piece of equipment is old and no longer works properly — it still functions but is in poor condition and likely to stop working soon.

例句

The country's creaky railway system frequently broke down during the winter months.

該國老舊失靈的鐵路系統在冬季時經常故障。

collocation: creaky railway system

Chen argued that the school's creaky computer network needed to be replaced entirely.

Chen 認為學校老舊失靈的電腦網路需要全面更換。

collocation: creaky computer network

同義詞
  • decrepit

    stronger negative tone; suggests something is falling apart or near collapse

  • rickety

    specifically suggests instability and risk of breaking, especially of furniture or structures

  • run-down

    focuses on neglected physical condition rather than mechanical function

反義詞
  • modern

    new, up-to-date, and efficient

  • efficient

    works smoothly without problems or delays

文法句型

creaky + noun (system, infrastructure, equipment, organization)

linking verb + creaky

用法筆記

Subject is typically an abstract system, organization, or piece of equipment — not a person. Common in journalism and political commentary. Unlike 'old', 'creaky' always carries the implication of poor functioning, not just age.

常見錯誤

❌My grandfather is very creaky.
✅My grandfather's joints are very creaky.
💡'creaky' can describe body parts (especially joints), but it sounds disrespectful when applied to a whole person; use 'frail' or 'elderly' instead.