drunken

word · lemma: drunk

/ˈdɹəŋkən/
DRUHNG-kuhn
/dɹˈʌŋkən/
DRUHNG-kuhn

Definition

Drunken means having drunk too much alcohol, so a person is not thinking clearly or cannot control their body well. It can also describe behavior or actions caused by being drunk.

Usage & Nuances

Usually more descriptive or literary than everyday 'drunk'. Common in phrases like 'drunken man', 'drunken voice', or 'drunken mistake'. Not used much before a noun in very casual speech compared with 'drunk'. Be careful: 'drunken' describes a state or drunk-related quality, while 'drunk' is far more common in conversation.

Example Sentences

The drunken man fell in the street.

basic

She gave me a drunken smile.

basic

His drunken behavior upset everyone.

basic

The movie shows his slow slide into drunken violence.

natural

He left me a drunken voicemail at 2 a.m.

natural

It sounded like a drunken joke, but he was serious.

natural