leaky

Everyday

1. Leaky describes something with a hole or crack that lets liquid or gas escape or get in: a leaky tap, a leaky roof. tree →
2. (informal) Leaky can describe a person or group that lets secrets out. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life a leaky tap drips, a leaky boot lets water in, a leaky tent gets everyone wet. In science and maths problems a leaky tank or bucket loses water over time. In news a «leaky» government lets secrets reach the press. Phrases: «a leaky tap», «a leaky roof», «leaky boat».

Examples

• The leaky tap dripped all night. tree →
• Put a bucket under the leaky roof. tree →
• My wellies are leaky, so my socks are soaked. tree →
• They rowed across the lake in a leaky old boat. tree →
• A leaky pen left ink all over my pencil case. tree →
• The team was so leaky that the coach's plan reached the other side. tree →

Note

From «leak» (noun and verb). Do not confuse «leak» with «leek» (the vegetable). In maths problems: if a leaky tank loses 2 litres an hour, after 5 hours it has lost 10 litres; if it is also being filled, subtract the leak from the filling rate.