What does malodorous mean?
Malodorous is a formal adjective meaning foul-smelling or having an unpleasant, offensive odor. It is often stronger and more specific than the general expression “smells bad,” suggesting that the smell is powerful, persistent, or difficult to tolerate. Typical contexts include spoiled food, chemicals, sewage, damp buildings, decaying organic matter, and unclean water. The word can describe both a smell itself, as in “a malodorous odor,” and something producing that smell, as in “a malodorous compound.” Although it is related to the more ordinary words odor and odorous, malodorous specifically carries a strongly negative judgment. It is recognized in both British and American English and is especially useful in formal writing, descriptions of places, and vivid accounts of decay or contamination.
adjectiveHaving an unpleasant or offensive smell. The word often conveys that a smell is especially strong, unpleasant, or difficult to tolerate.
- Having an unpleasant, offensive, or overpowering smell.
"The old refrigerator filled the kitchen with a malodorous smell."
"A malodorous liquid seeped from beneath the old wooden floor."
"The abandoned building was dark, damp, and malodorous."
Malodorous comes from Latin roots meaning “bad smell” and is a formal, emphatic way to say something smells unpleasant.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does malodorous come from?
Malodorous was formed in English from the Latin roots malus, meaning “bad,” and odor, meaning “smell,” together with the English suffix -ous. The form reflects the Latin sense “bad-smelling” and developed as a descriptive adjective for offensive or foul odors. Its relatives include the English noun odor, the adjective odorous, and the related noun malodor.
Related word forms
How malodorous is actually used
The adjective is relatively formal and often more emphatic than simply saying that something smells bad. It is commonly used for persistent or conspicuous unpleasant odors.
Easily confused with malodorous
A malfunctioning device or system is not working properly, whereas a malodorous object or substance is distinguished by its unpleasant smell.