What does suck mean?
“Suck” most commonly describes drawing air or liquid into the mouth, as when someone drinks through a straw or draws smoke into the lungs. It can also describe a process in which a substance is pulled into or absorbed by another place: a machine may suck water through a pipe, and a project may suck money from a business. In informal usage, “suck” expresses strong dislike: something can be said to suck because it is disappointing, difficult, or badly made. “Suck at” means to perform a task poorly, while “be sucked into” can describe becoming deeply involved in something or being drawn into an unpleasant situation. The word’s extended uses are especially familiar in American English, although they are understood throughout the English-speaking world. Its straightforward physical meaning and vivid informal connotations make it useful both for describing literal actions and for expressing strong everyday reactions.
To draw air, liquid, or another substance into the mouth, or to cause something to be drawn or absorbed into a place or system.
"The pump sucks water from the tank."
The literal meanings are standard; “suck” also has informal meanings expressing dislike, poor performance, or an unpleasant experience.
An act or instance of drawing in or absorbing a substance, or an informal term for an unpleasant or disappointing situation.
"The filter took a quick suck of air before restarting."
The noun is often informal, especially when referring to something disappointing or unpleasant.
The plural is used for separate acts of sucking and, informally, for disappointing or difficult things.
"The engine gave a few sucks before it started."
From drawing liquid through a straw to describing a bad experience, “suck” has moved from the mouth to everyday slang.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of suck
The word comes from Old English sūcan, meaning to draw or draw in air or liquid. It developed through Proto-Germanic and ultimately from a common Indo-European root associated with sucking or drawing. Related English forms include “suckle” and “suction,” while the Latin-derived “suctorial” refers to structures or organs that perform a sucking action.
Related word forms
How suck is actually used
The literal meanings are standard in British and American English. The meanings involving dislike, difficulty, or an unpleasant situation are informal; “this sucks” is especially common in casual American speech, while “suck at” means to perform something poorly.
Easily confused with suck
The first refers to drawing or absorbing a substance, while the second is an informal expression meaning to dislike something or to be in an unpleasant situation.