A2nouninformal2K

Rubbish

UK /["/ˈrʌbɪʃ/"]/US /["/ˈrʌbɪʃ/"]/

Definition

things that you throw away because you no longer want or need them

In simple words: Something that is worthless or of poor quality.

Examples

  • He threw the rubbish in the bin.
  • This idea is absolute rubbish!
  • Please take out the rubbish when you leave.
  • The film was rubbish; I wouldn’t recommend it.
  • Don't let rubbish pile up in your room.
  • He often speaks rubbish when he’s tired.
  • It’s not rubbish; it’s a work of art!

Usage notes

Use 'rubbish' in everyday conversation when expressing dislike for something. It can sound casual or dismissive, so it may not be suitable for formal situations.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Sounds like 'rub' + 'bish' — imagine rubbing off bad ideas that are sheer rubbish.

Collocations

  • domestic
  • household
  • garden
  • bag
  • pile
  • tons
  • put out
  • collect
  • remove
  • decay
  • rot
  • bag
  • bin
  • skip
  • absolute
  • complete
  • total
  • talk
  • rubbish about
  • a load of rubbish
  • what rubbish!
  • absolute
  • complete
  • total
  • talk
  • rubbish about
  • a load of rubbish
  • what rubbish!

Synonyms

  • nonsense

Antonyms

  • treasure
  • valuable
  • quality

Common mistakes

  • Using 'rubbish' in a formal context.
  • Confusing 'rubbish' with 'trash', thinking they are interchangeable in all dialects.
  • Using 'rubbish' only to refer to physical waste, rather than ideas or opinions.