Suck: meaning, definitions and examples

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suck

[sʌk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

action

To draw into the mouth by contracting the muscles of the lips and mouth to make a partial vacuum, which sucks in and carries along a liquid or solid substance.

Synonyms

draw, inhale, pull.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
suck	Used when describing a motion where something is being drawn into the mouth by using negative pressure. Often associated with eating or drinking activities, but can also be used in a general, sometimes negative context. The baby sucked on the pacifier peacefully That vacuum cleaner really sucks up all the dirt efficiently This movie really sucks
draw	Used when describing the action of pulling something towards oneself, often involving a slow and deliberate process. Commonly used in artistic contexts or when describing a method of extracting or moving something. She decided to draw a beautiful landscape The nurse drew blood from the patient's arm You should draw the curtains at night
pull	Used when describing the action of moving or exerting force on something to bring it closer or to remove it, generally implying physical effort. She had to pull the heavy door open The children pulled the rope in a tug-of-war game He pulled the car over to the side of the road
inhale	Used when describing the action of breathing in, particularly important in medical or fitness contexts. Often suggests a deliberate and deep breath. She inhaled deeply before diving into the pool He accidentally inhaled some dust while cleaning Take a moment to inhale the fresh mountain air

Examples of usage

The baby sucked on her pacifier for comfort.
The vacuum cleaner sucks up dirt and debris from the floor.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

quality

To be very bad or unpleasant.

Synonyms

be awful, be dreadful, be terrible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
suck	Used informally to express strong dislike or dissatisfaction. It often indicates a personal, subjective opinion and can be used in various casual settings. This movie sucks; I can't believe I wasted my time on it. Your new haircut really sucks, maybe you should try a different style.
be terrible	Used to describe something very bad or unpleasant. It is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings. I feel terrible about what happened; I should have been more careful. The food at the event was terrible; I could hardly eat any of it.
be awful	Used to describe something extremely bad or unpleasant. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts and is generally suitable for a wide range of situations. The service at that restaurant was awful; I don't think I'll go back there. Her performance in the play was awful, and the audience seemed very disappointed.
be dreadful	Used to describe something that causes fear, dread, or extreme dislike. Often implies a stronger emotional response than 'awful'. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The weather today is absolutely dreadful; I can't even step outside. The conditions in the refugee camp are dreadful and need immediate attention.

Examples of usage

The movie really sucked, we walked out halfway through.
The service at that restaurant sucks, I won't be going back.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

slang

A disappointing or contemptible person.

Synonyms

loser, slacker, whiner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
suck	This term is used informally to describe something that is very bad or unpleasant. It is often used to express dissatisfaction and is not polite in formal settings. This movie really sucks. This weather sucks, I wanted to go to the beach.
loser	Typically used to describe someone who consistently fails or has a lack of success. This term can be hurtful and insulting, and is usually used in a derogatory manner. He's always losing, what a loser. Don't be such a loser, try harder!
whiner	Used to describe someone who complains frequently and annoyingly. This term has a negative connotation and is often used to criticize someone's attitude. Stop being such a whiner and deal with it. Nobody likes a whiner, just get the work done.
slacker	Describes someone who avoids work or puts in minimal effort. This term is often used in a work or school setting to criticize someone's lack of productivity. Stop being a slacker and finish your report. We can't count on him, he's such a slacker.

Examples of usage

Don't be a suck, help out with the project.
He's such a suck, always whining about everything.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'sucan,' which means 'to suckle' or 'to draw in,' particularly related to feeding.
In Middle English, it evolved to 'sucken,' maintaining similar meanings of pulling in or drawing liquid.
The word has been part of the English language since around the 9th century, illustrating its long-standing relevance.

Cultural Slang

'Suck' has become a popular slang term used to express dissatisfaction, especially in youth culture, like saying a movie 'sucks.'
In various music lyrics, the term often symbolizes rebellion or frustration against social norms.
The phrase 'suck it up' has emerged in modern language as a way to encourage someone to endure difficult circumstances.

Psychology

Using 'suck' in social contexts can impact interpersonal relationships, as language plays a key role in expressing emotions.
People often use strong language, including this word, as a form of venting frustration in therapeutic settings.
The cognitive dissonance theory suggests that when people say something 'sucks,' it might reflect deeper feelings of discontent or change.

Literature

The term appears in many literary works, often symbolizing defeat or an unworthy struggle, contributing to character development.
Notable authors like Mark Twain and J.D. Salinger use the word in dialogues to reflect authenticity in character speech.
In poetry, it’s sometimes used metaphorically to illustrate deeper emotional struggles or the experience of loss.

Technology

In certain tech contexts, 'suck' can refer to the ineffectiveness of a product or software, often found in user reviews.
The term is often used in gaming communities to describe poor performance, emphasizing competitiveness and improvement.
In the context of business, companies analyze customer feedback where the term is prevalent to address service shortcomings.

Translations

Translations of the word "suck" in other languages:

🇵🇹 chupar

🇮🇳 चूसना (choosna)

🇩🇪 saugen

🇮🇩 mengisap

🇺🇦 смоктати

🇵🇱 ssać

🇯🇵 吸う (suu)

🇫🇷 sucer

🇪🇸 chupar

🇹🇷 emmek

🇰🇷 빨다 (ppalda)

🇸🇦 يمتص (yamtaṣ)

🇨🇿 sát

🇸🇰 sať

🇨🇳 吸 (xī)

🇸🇮 sesati

🇮🇸 sjúga

🇰🇿 сору

🇬🇪 მოწოვება (motsoveba)

🇦🇿 sormaq

🇲🇽 chupar

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,108, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
13105 poised
13106 brutality
13107 adherent
13108 suck
13109 passionately
13110 condemning
13111 grounding
...