leaky

American  

[lee-kee] / ˈli ki /

adjective

leakier, leakiest

1. allowing liquid, gas, etc., to enter or escape.

   a leaky boat; a leaky container.

2. Informal. unreliable.

   a leaky memory; a leaky tongue.

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leaky British  

/ ˈliːkɪ /

adjective

1. leaking or tending to leak

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Other Word Forms

• leakiness
  noun
• unleaky
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of leaky

First recorded in 1600–10; leak + -y ¹

Explanation

Leaky things accidentally allow water (or gas) to pass through them. A leaky bucket is a bad thing, and a leaky diaper is even worse. A leaky hose lets water squirt out at different points, and a leaky helium balloon plummets to the ground, deflating as it falls. You can also talk about a leaky government, or a leaky newsroom — in other words, a group or a person guilty of exposing information that's meant to be kept secret or confidential. This kind of leak is a "deliberate disclosure of information," and it dates from the 1950s.

Example Sentences

Leaky Newcastle have now conceded 38 goals in 26 home games in all competitions this season.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

Leaky gut syndrome is particularly common among cancer patients who receive pelvic or abdominal radiation therapy.

From Science Daily • Jan. 3, 2026

Six players transferred out, while versatile defender Leaky Black graduated.

From Washington Times • Oct. 24, 2023

Smith reported neck and elbow pain as well as numbness in his right arm after being fouled on a drive by UNC’s Leaky Black, who was ejected for a Flagrant Two foul, the school said.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 22, 2023

Mr. Weasley was insisting on taking the Grangers off to the Leaky Cauldron for a drink.

From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling

Related Words

• broken
• cracked
• faulty