Leaky Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ง
leaky
[หliห.ki ]
Definitions
physical condition
Leaky refers to an object or surface that is not airtight or watertight, allowing liquid or gas to escape. This term is often used in relation to roofs, pipes, or containers that cannot hold their contents securely, resulting in unwanted leakage.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The leaky faucet wasted a lot of water.
- She discovered a leaky roof after the heavy rain.
- The leaky container spilled its contents all over the floor.
information security
In a metaphorical sense, leaky can describe a system or organization that has breaches in confidentiality or security, leading to the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information.
Synonyms
exposed, insecure, vulnerable.
Examples of usage
- The company's leaky security protocols led to a massive data breach.
- He worked in a leaky organization where rumors spread quickly.
- Their leaky database exposed client information to hackers.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'leaky'
The word 'leaky' originates from the Old English term 'lecan,' which means 'to leak or let out.' The transition to the modern form can be traced back to Middle English, where it appeared as 'leke,' which is related to the idea of fluid escaping from a container. Over time, 'leaky' has been adopted into contemporary English to describe not just physical leaks, such as those in plumbing and construction, but also to denote vulnerabilities in systems or processes. The evolution of the word reflects its application across various contextsโfrom tangible leaks of water or gas to metaphorical uses in discussing information security and organizational integrity.