Rubbish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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rubbish
[ˈrʌbɪʃ ]
Definitions
dispose of waste
Waste material; refuse or litter.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| rubbish |
Commonly used in British English to refer to things that are thrown away because they are no longer useful or wanted. It can also be used informally to describe something that is worthless or of poor quality.
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| garbage |
Mostly used in American English to refer to household waste, typically excluding recyclable items. It can also be used to refer to something that is useless or of very low quality.
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| trash |
Common in American English, akin to garbage, but often used more broadly to include waste and recyclable items. It can also imply a derogatory comment about something or someone being worthless.
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| waste |
A general term used universally to describe any material that is discarded because it is no longer useful or required. It can also refer to inefficiency or the misuse of resources.
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Examples of usage
- He threw the rubbish into the bin.
- The beach was covered in rubbish left by tourists.
nonsense
Foolish or worthless ideas, talk, or concepts.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| rubbish |
Use 'rubbish' to refer to something that is worthless, of poor quality, or when disposing trash. It can also informally dismiss someone's ideas as silly.
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| nonsense |
Use 'nonsense' to discredit ideas, actions, or statements as lacking logic or sense. It is versatile and can fit many casual or serious contexts.
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| balderdash |
Use 'balderdash' to describe statements that are ridiculous or nonsensical, often in a somewhat humorous or old-fashioned manner.
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Examples of usage
- Don't listen to his rubbish, he doesn't know what he's talking about.
- She dismissed his argument as rubbish.
low quality
Very poor in quality or condition.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| rubbish |
Use 'rubbish' when referring to something that is of extremely low quality or worthless. It can be used to describe objects or even ideas, often with a negative connotation.
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| poor |
Use 'poor' when mentioning something that is lacking in quality or is inadequate. It is commonly used in various situations, from describing conditions to quality of work.
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| substandard |
Use 'substandard' in formal or professional settings to indicate that something does not meet the expected or required standards. It is often used in contexts involving regulations, products, or services.
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| inferior |
Use 'inferior' to describe something that is lower in quality or value compared to another object or standard. It is often used in formal contexts and can imply a hierarchical comparison.
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Examples of usage
- The film was rubbish, I want my money back.
- She was disappointed with the rubbish service at the restaurant.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Usage
- In British English, 'rubbish' is commonly used to describe something that is of poor quality or nonsense, while in American English, 'garbage' or 'trash' is preferred.
- The phrase 'rubbish bin' is popular in the UK, highlighting the cultural distinctions in waste disposal terminology.
Psychology
- Psychologists study how people perceive waste and clutter in their living spaces, as it can affect mental well-being.
- A cluttered environment can lead to stress or anxiety, prompting individuals to clean and dispose of rubbish to create a more peaceful atmosphere.
Environmental Impact
- Improper disposal of rubbish can lead to serious environmental issues, such as pollution and harm to wildlife.
- Recycling and composting efforts aim to reduce the amount of rubbish that ends up in landfills, promoting a sustainable future.
Art and Literature
- Rubbish has been used as a theme in various art forms, often symbolizing wasteful consumption and societal neglect.
- In literature, 'rubbish' may be used metaphorically to describe the waste of potential or unfulfilled dreams.
Origin of 'rubbish'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'rubbish' comes from Middle English, where it referred to debris or waste.
- It is believed that the term might originate from the Old French word 'rube,' meaning to be noisy or disruptive, capturing the idea of discarded items.
The word 'rubbish' originated in the late 16th century, derived from the obsolete French word 'roubache', meaning rubble or bits of stone. Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to waste material or nonsense. The term has been commonly used in British English to describe trash or low-quality items.