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lank

Long, limp, and straight; lacking curls or waves. / Tall, thin, and bony.
Adjective
pl: lankssup: lanker

This word carries a distinct sense of lifelessness or awkwardness. When describing hair, it suggests a lack of volume or vitality, often evoking a damp or oily texture that clings to the skin. It is rarely a compliment, implying a flat, dull appearance.

When applied to a person's physique, it suggests a gangly or ungainly quality. It differs from "slender" or "lean," which imply grace or athletic fitness; "lank" instead evokes the image of a growth spurt where the limbs have grown faster than the muscle or coordination.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Maya is browsing an old yearbook while Fatima is at the library.
Maya

Omg look at this pic of Ryan. He was so lank in middle school.

Omg look at this pic of Ryan. He was so lank in middle school.

Maya
Fatima
Fatima

Stop scrolling and get your act together. We have a midterm tomorrow.

Stop scrolling and get your act together. We have a midterm tomorrow.

Meanings

Adjective

Long, limp, and straight; lacking curls or waves.

Adjective

Tall, thin, and bony.

The boy had grown into a lank teenager with awkward, long limbs.

Examples

He was a lank youth with limbs that seemed too long for his body.

I hate how my hair gets so lank when I use this conditioner.

Health
Detective

Why is he so lank and pale lately?

Health

The elf had a lank frame that allowed him to move silently through the brush.

Fantasy

She looked at him and thought he looked far too lank to be a professional athlete.

Romance

The boy grew into a lank teenager over the summer break.

School Life

Related Words

Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error