Langimage
English

rusty

|rus/ty|

B2

/ˈrʌsti/

covered with rust

Etymology
Etymology Information

'rusty' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'rustig,' where 'rust' meant 'reddish-brown coating.'

Historical Evolution

'rustig' changed from Middle English word 'rusti' and eventually became the modern English word 'rusty'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'covered with rust,' but over time it evolved to also mean 'impaired by lack of practice.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

covered with or consisting of rust.

The old bicycle was rusty after being left outside for years.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

impaired by lack of recent practice.

My French is a bit rusty since I haven't spoken it in years.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41