lanky
adjective C2
Plain meaning
tall and thin, usually with awkward movement
Exam-register meaning
In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe tall and thin, usually with awkward movement, often with a precise or specialised tone.
In context
naturalHis response sounded lanky, so the conversation became difficult.
examThe passage presents a lanky assessment of the policy’s wider consequences.
Common collocations
a lanky responselanky behavioura lanky situation
Watch out
Do not use “very lanky” automatically; some advanced adjectives already carry a strong meaning or need a more natural intensifier.
Word family
lankyness (noun, where natural)lankyly (adverb, where natural)