What does lankiest mean?
Lankiest is the superlative form of lanky, meaning extremely tall and thin. The word is especially used for people whose height and slender build appear striking, awkward, or ungainly. It carries a mildly humorous or observational tone and often focuses on the overall impression of a tall, thin silhouette rather than simply describing someone as thin. In everyday speech, it can be used to compare members of a group, as in “the lankiest boy in the class.” Although it may sound informal, it is useful when vivid characterization is wanted. The related adjective lanky and noun lankiness share the same basic sense of being unusually tall, thin, or elongated.
adjectiveThe superlative of lanky: extremely tall and thin, often in an ungainly or awkward-looking way.
- Extremely tall and thin, especially in a way that seems awkward or ungainly.
"The lankiest boy in the class volunteered to paint the scenery for the school play."
"He is the lankiest member of the basketball team."
"A lankiest model in an oversized coat walked down the runway."
The lankiest superlative in English adds a vivid sense of height, thinness, and awkward proportions.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lankiest
The word comes from the adjective lanky, which developed in the early 19th century and is associated with a tall, thin, loose-limbed appearance. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, though it may be related to words such as lank. The form lankiest is the regular superlative, adding the suffix -est to lanky. Related forms include lankiness and the adverb lankly.
How lankiest is actually used
Usually used to describe a person, especially someone whose height and thinness seem conspicuous or awkward. It is more common in informal descriptive writing than in formal technical prose.
Easily confused with lankiest
Longest refers to the greatest length or duration, whereas lankiest emphasizes an extremely thin, awkward, tall appearance.
Loosest describes something not tightly fastened or lacking firmness, while lankiest describes a person or thing that is very tall and thin.