wrinkled

wrinkled — adjective

1. used to describe skin that has developed fine lines or creases, typically becaus

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

used to describe skin that has developed fine lines or creases, typically because of the natural ageing process or long-term sun exposure

Example

Ishaan's grandmother had beautiful wrinkled hands that told the story of a long life.

collocation: wrinkled hands

At seventy-five, Paloma's face was wrinkled but her eyes were still bright with energy.

contrast with positive quality: bright eyes

Common collocations
  • wrinkled skin
  • wrinkled face
  • wrinkled hands
  • wrinkled cheeks
  • wrinkled forehead
  • deeply wrinkled
  • finely wrinkled
Synonyms
  • lined

    Suggests deeper creases that can add character, often used more positively than 'wrinkled'

  • creased

    Suggests sharper, more defined folds, often on the forehead or around the mouth

  • weathered

    Implies damage from sun, wind, or outdoor exposure rather than just age

Antonyms
  • smooth

    Describes skin without any lines or bumps

  • youthful

    Describes skin that looks young and unwrinkled

Usage Note

Distinguish from 'lined' (which suggests deeper, more character-filled creases) and 'weathered' (which implies damage from wind and sun specifically). 'Wrinkled skin' is the most neutral and common descriptor for age-related skin texture.

Common Mistakes

She has wrinkled skin from laughing so much.
She has laugh lines around her eyes from years of smiling.
'wrinkled' implies age-related or sun-related changes, not temporary expression marks.

2. used to describe fabric or clothing that has unintended creases or uneven folds,

2.adjectiveB1
Definition

used to describe fabric or clothing that has unintended creases or uneven folds, usually because it has been crushed, sat on, or not ironed

Example

Ryo's shirt was so wrinkled that he had to iron it before the interview.

collocation: wrinkled shirt + iron

Nala pulled a wrinkled dress from her suitcase and tried to smooth it out.

Common collocations
  • wrinkled shirt
  • wrinkled dress
  • wrinkled clothes
  • wrinkled fabric
  • wrinkled suit
  • get wrinkled
  • look wrinkled
  • wrinkled from sitting
Synonyms
  • creased

    Suggests sharper, more defined folds, especially from being folded or hung improperly

  • crumpled

    Suggests a more messy, crushed state, as if the fabric was balled up

  • rumpled

    Suggests a slightly untidy look from sleeping in clothes or sitting for a long time

Antonyms
  • smooth

    Describes fabric with no creases or bumps

  • ironed

    Describes clothing that has been pressed to remove wrinkles

  • pressed

    Describes fabric that has been neatly flattened, often with an iron

Usage Note

Commonly used with clothing items made from materials that crease easily, such as cotton, linen, and polyester. 'Wrinkled' always describes unintended creases — do not use it for deliberate folds such as pleats or tucks.

Common Mistakes

This skirt has wrinkled pleats.
This skirt has pleats that need ironing.
'wrinkled' refers to unintended creases, not deliberate folds.

Word family

  • wrinkle
    nounB1
  • wrinkle
    verbB1
  • wrinkly
    adjectiveB2
  • wrinkle-free
    adjectiveB2
  • unwrinkled
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/2

All four words describe fabric that is not smooth, but they differ in the kind and cause of the imperfection. 'Wrinkled' is the most general term — it simply means the fabric has unintended lines or folds, whether from sitting, packing, or not ironing. 'Creased' suggests sharper, more defined folds, often from a single event like folding a shirt or leaning an elbow on a table. 'Crumpled' is stronger: it describes fabric that has been crushed into a ball-like state, as if shoved into a bag without care. 'Rumpled' is milder and often carries a slightly charming sense of being untidy from wear or sleep — someone might get out of bed in rumpled pyjamas. 'Messy' is broader and can describe stains, missing buttons, or general disorder beyond just wrinkles. For example: 'His shirt was wrinkled after a long day at the office,' but 'His shirt was crumpled at the bottom of the laundry basket.'

creasedcrumpledrumpledmessy ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

  • deeply wrinkled
  • finely wrinkled
  • slightly wrinkled
  • badly wrinkled
  • heavily wrinkled

Phrases

  • become wrinkled
  • get wrinkled
  • look wrinkled
  • prevent from becoming wrinkled

Prepositions

  • wrinkled with age
  • wrinkled from sitting
  • wrinkled from packing

Etymology

Proto-GermanicOld EnglishMiddle EnglishModern English

The word 'wrinkle' comes from late Middle English 'wrinklen', which likely developed from an Old English base related to 'gewrinclian' (to wind or twist). This older root is connected to the Proto-Germanic word 'wrankijaną', meaning 'to twist' or 'to turn', which is also the ancestor of the word 'wring'. The core idea of twisting or bending is what gives wrinkled surfaces their twisted, folded look. The adjective form 'wrinkled' has been used since the 14th century.