rakish

1 of 2

adjective (1)

rak·​ish ˈrā-kish 

: of, relating to, or characteristic of a rake : dissolute

rakish

2 of 2

adjective (2)

1

: having a trim or streamlined appearance suggestive of speed

a rakish ship

2

: dashingly or carelessly unconventional : jaunty

rakish clothes

Synonyms

Adjective (1)

• corrupt
• debased
• debauched
• decadent
• degenerate
• degraded
• demoralized
• depraved
• dissipated
• dissolute
• jackleg
• libertine
• loose
• perverse
• perverted
• rakehell
• rakehelly
• reprobate
• sick
• unclean
• unwholesome
• warped

Examples of rakish in a Sentence

Adjective (1)

within a few short years their rakish son had squandered the family fortune on hard liquor and fast cars

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Remember that when recounting in graphic detail, every side-effect of your recent colonoscopy prep, dropping the F-bomb, arguing heatedly with your spouse or partner, boasting of your rakish conquests at the local bar and grill or openly discussing your private financial affairs. —Steve Cambria, Hartford Courant, 4 Aug. 2024

Tubbs though was written to be precise in his rakish style. —Fawnia Soo Hoo, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Aug. 2024

Strangers to the genre dismiss romance with the speed and frequency of a rakish duke inciting a scandal. —Casey McQuiston, TIME, 1 Aug. 2024

Newly embedded to the Fly Team, Wes is described as charming and rakish, an agent whose impeccable instincts and unconventional tactics fuel his drive to stop at nothing to achieve justice. —Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 22 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

rake entry 5

Adjective (2)

probably from rake entry 4; from the raking masts of pirate ships

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1696, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rakish

• rakish angle

Kids Definition

rakish

1 of 2 adjective

rak·​ish ˈrā-kish 

: of or resembling that of a rake : dissolute

rakishly adverb

rakishness noun

rakish

2 of 2 adjective

1

: having a trim or streamlined look that suggests speed

a rakish ship

a rakish sports car

2

: jaunty, dashing

rakish clothes

rakishly adverb

rakishness noun

Etymology

Adjective

from rake "libertine"

Adjective

from earlier rake "the amount of slope or lean of a ship's mast or the amount of overhang of a ship's bow"