What does skew mean?
Skew describes something that is turned away from a straight, balanced, or expected line. As an adjective, it refers to an oblique or distorted shape: a skewed photograph may make buildings appear to lean. As a verb, skew can mean to turn in an unintended direction, but its most consequential modern use is to describe the deliberate distortion or biasing of information, such as skewing data, results, or a report. The related noun refers to an angle, direction, or systematic tendency away from what is expected. Skew is especially useful in journalism, statistics, design, technology, and everyday descriptions of unstable or misaligned objects. It carries a generally negative connotation when applied to evidence or reasoning, suggesting unfairness or distortion, while remaining neutral when used for physical orientation.
To turn away from a straight, balanced, or expected course, or to distort information so that it favors a particular conclusion.
"The survey questions were worded in a way that skewed the responses."
The sense of unfairly biasing information is common in formal and analytical writing.
Not straight, symmetrical, or properly aligned; oblique or distorted.
"The camera produced a skewed image of the horizon."
Often used before a noun, especially with 'image,' 'result,' 'distribution,' or 'angle.'
An oblique direction or angle, or a tendency toward an uneven or biased outcome.
"The report reveals a subtle skew in how the results were presented."
This sense is less common than the verb and adjective, but it is standard in formal analytical contexts.
The plural is used for distinct oblique angles, directions, or analytical tendencies.
"The data showed several skews that required further investigation."
Skew is a shape-shifter in vocabulary: it can describe a crooked angle, a deliberate distortion, or a tendency to veer away from the expected course.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skew come from?
The word comes through Middle English, where forms related to skew or skeu were used for turning aside or being oblique. Its precise origin is not entirely certain, and the English word is generally linked to Germanic forms with meanings related to an oblique direction or a projecting side. The modern senses developed from these older meanings of deviation, angle, and turning aside. Related forms such as askew preserve the same underlying idea of being off the straight.
Related word forms
How skew is actually used
In its adjectival sense, skew is usually used before a noun, as in 'a skewed image' or 'a skewed distribution.' As a verb, it commonly describes the distortion or biasing of information, although it can also mean to turn away from a route or direction.
Easily confused with skew
Skew means to turn away from an expected line or course, whereas a screw is a fastener or a device for turning.
Skew describes a distortion or oblique alignment, while sketch refers to a rough drawing or a brief outline.