Rubbish: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

• Put the rubbish out before the bin collection comes
• His explanation was complete rubbish

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.

• Please take out the garbage before it starts to smell
• That movie was complete garbage

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.

• Take the trash out to the curb
• He's nothing but trash

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.

• We need to reduce food waste
• What a waste of time!

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.

• This movie is absolute rubbish.
• Please take out the rubbish on your way out.
• That's rubbish! You don't know what you're talking about.

Use 'nonsense' to discredit ideas, actions, or statements as lacking logic or sense. It is versatile and can fit many casual or serious contexts.

• That's complete nonsense. I don't believe a word of it.
• Stop talking nonsense and focus on the task at hand.
• This policy is just bureaucratic nonsense!

Use 'balderdash' to describe statements that are ridiculous or nonsensical, often in a somewhat humorous or old-fashioned manner.

• What an idea! That's pure balderdash!
• He filled the meeting with nothing but balderdash.

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.

• This movie is absolute rubbish. I couldn't stand watching it.

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.

• The internet connection in this area is poor.

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.

• These substandard safety measures need to be improved immediately.

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.

• The material used in this product is inferior to the one used in our previous model.