Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Offensively malodorous; foul-smelling: Describes something that has a very unpleasant, disgusting, or sickening smell.
   • Harmful or noxious; causing nausea or disgust: Describes something that is not only unpleasant to the senses but also potentially harmful or sickening.

Usage

The word "noisome" is a formal and somewhat literary adjective. It is used to describe things that are extremely unpleasant, primarily through smell, but it can also extend to things that cause a feeling of disgust or nausea. It is stronger than words like "unpleasant" or "bad-smelling."

Examples

• Describing a foul smell:

  • A noisome odor rose from the clogged drain.
  • The alley was filled with the noisome stench of rotting garbage.

• Describing something harmful or nauseating:

  • They fled from the noisome fumes of the chemical spill.
  • The room had a noisome atmosphere that made everyone feel ill.

Advanced Usage

• Literary/Descriptive Use: Often used in descriptive writing to evoke a strong sensory reaction.
  • The dungeon's air was thick and noisome, a mixture of mildew, decay, and despair.

Variants and Related Words

• Noisomely (adverb): In a noisome manner.
  • The dump smelled noisomely even from a distance.
• Noisomeness (noun): The quality of being noisome.
  • The noisomeness of the swamp kept travelers away.

Synonyms

• Foul: Extremely unpleasant from a bad smell.
• Putrid: Decaying and smelling very bad.
• Rank: Having a strong, unpleasant smell.
• Noxious: Harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant.
• Nauseating: Causing a feeling of nausea or disgust.
• Malodorous: Having a bad smell.

Antonyms

• Fragrant: Having a pleasant, sweet smell.
• Aromatic: Having a strong, pleasant smell.
• Wholesome: Conducive to or suggestive of good health and physical well-being.

Important Note

Do not confuse "noisome" (unpleasant smell/harmful) with "noisy" (making a lot of sound). They are unrelated in meaning and origin.

Adjective

1. offensively malodorous
   • a foul odor
   • the kitchen smelled really funky
2. causing or able to cause nausea
   • a nauseating smell
   • nauseous offal
   • a sickening stench