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wonky

/ˈwɑŋki/
/ˈwɒŋki/
IPA guide

Other forms: wonkier; wonkiest

Things that are wonky are a little bit crooked or wobbly — a table that isn't balanced right, a nose that's a bit out of place. Something that’s wonky isn’t necessarily broken; it’s just slightly “off.”

Wonky can also describe something that isn't working correctly, such as an old TV set that shows only one channel, or maybe even your brain after you’ve just pulled an all-nighter. Important: Don't confuse wonky with wonk. A wonk is an extremely studious person, and usually wonks are very far from being wonky (except perhaps in terms of their social skills).

Definitions of wonky
  1. adjective
    turned or twisted toward one side
    crooked
    having or marked by bends or angles; not straight or aligned
  2. adjective
    inclined to shake as from weakness or defect
    “the bridge still stands though one of the arches is wonky
    synonyms: rickety, shaky, wobbly
    unstable
    lacking stability or fixity or firmness
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