scrap
gb/skɹˈæp/ us/skɹˈæp/
B1
English
~ 8600
darabka, fecni, fémhulladék, hulladékanyag, ócskavas, elvet, lefúj, leállít, egy szemernyi, ételmaradék, csetepaté, balhé, verekedés, leselejtez, bontóba ad, verekszik, balhézik, dulakodik
NOUN
B2
1
Usage pattern:
a scrap of [material]
He scribbled her phone number on a scrap of paper.
Egy papírfecnire firkantotta fel a telefonszámát.
She keeps scraps of fabric for future sewing projects.
Félreteszi a textilmaradékokat későbbi varrási munkákhoz.
There were scraps of wrapping paper all over the floor after the party.
I wrote the password on a tiny scrap I later threw away.
The designer spread out color samples and fabric scraps on the table.
Learner examples
He wrote the note on a small scrap of paper.
Egy kis papírdarabra írta az üzenetet.
She cut the dress and kept the scraps of cloth.
Kiszabta a ruhát, és megtartotta a megmaradt anyagdarabokat.
There are paper scraps in the trash can.
I used a scrap of paper to make a list.
He picked up the fabric scraps from the floor.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "scrap" with "scratch" because they sound similar. "Scrap" is a small piece of material; "scratch" is a thin mark or cut on a surface or skin.
Meaning
small leftover piece of something
Collocations
a scrap of paper
|a scrap of cloth
|little scraps of fabric
|paper scraps
|fabric scraps
|scrap material
Synonyms
fragment (More formal; suggests a broken or incomplete piece, not always leftover from cutting or making something.)
Antonyms
whole (Refers to something complete and uncut, the opposite of a small leftover piece.)
Themes
daily life
|objects
|work
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A small piece of something that is left after the rest has been used or cut off.
A small, usually irregular piece of something that is left over or not needed, especially paper, cloth, or other material.
NOUN
B2
2
Usage pattern:
[something] for scrap
They sold the old car for scrap.
A régi autót ócskavasnak adták el.
The factory recycles all its metal scrap.
A gyár az összes fémhulladékát újrahasznosítja.
He runs a business buying scrap metal from construction sites.
The machine was so damaged it was only worth scrap value.
Old pipes and wires lay in a heap of scrap behind the workshop.
Learner examples
We took the broken car to the scrap yard.
Elvittük a törött autót a roncstelepre.
The company sells old metal as scrap.
A cég fémhulladékként adja el a régi fémdarabokat.
He collects scrap metal to make money.
This computer is so old it is just scrap now.
They recycle some plastic and metal scrap.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse "scrap" with "garbage" or "trash". "Scrap" often suggests the material still has value to recycle or reuse, while "garbage" is usually thrown away with no plan to reuse it.
Meaning
discarded metal or material for recycling
Collocations
scrap metal
|sold it for scrap
|scrap yard
|pile of scrap
|scrap dealer
|scrap value
Synonyms
junk (More informal and general; can mean any useless object, not specifically material that will be recycled.)
Antonyms
new (Describes items that are not old or discarded, the opposite of scrap material.)
Themes
industry
|business
|technology
|work
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Old or broken things, especially metal, that people keep or sell so the material can be used again.
Discarded material, especially metal, that is no longer useful in its original form but kept to be reused, recycled, or sold.
VERB
B2
3
Usage pattern:
to scrap [a plan / project / system]
The company scrapped its expansion plans after the market crashed.
A cég a piac összeomlása után elvetette terjeszkedési terveit.
Due to budget cuts, the government scrapped the new rail project.
A költségvetési megszorítások miatt a kormány leállította az új vasúti projektet.
They decided to scrap the old system and introduce a simpler one.
After months of work, the team had to scrap the design and start again.
The proposal was quietly scrapped before it reached the board.
Learner examples
The school scrapped the trip because it was too expensive.
Az iskola lefújta a kirándulást, mert túl drága volt.
The manager scrapped the plan after he saw the problems.
A vezető elvetette a tervet, miután meglátta a problémákat.
They scrapped the old rules and made new ones.
We had to scrap the idea and think of another one.
The city scrapped the project when the money ran out.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "stop" instead of "scrap". "Stop" can be temporary, but "scrap" suggests cancelling something completely and not using it again. Also, do not say "scrap off" or "scrap down" in this sense; the verb is used without a particle.
Meaning
cancel or abandon a plan or system
Collocations
scrap a plan
|scrap the project
|scrap the idea
|scrap the law
|scrap the system
|decide to scrap
Synonyms
abandon (Slightly more formal and broader; can also mean leaving something physically, not just cancelling plans.)
Antonyms
implement (Means to start using a plan or system, the opposite of cancelling it.)
Themes
business
|politics
|work
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To stop a plan, project, or system and decide not to use it anymore.
To decide not to continue with a plan, project, system, or idea, usually permanently, because it is no longer wanted or practical.
NOUN
C1
4
Usage pattern:
not a scrap of [something]
There wasn't a scrap of evidence to support the accusation.
Egy szemernyi bizonyíték sem volt a vád alátámasztására.
He showed not a scrap of interest in the discussion.
Egy szemernyi érdeklődést sem mutatott a beszélgetés iránt.
She didn't have a scrap of food left in the house.
I don't feel a scrap of guilt about my decision.
They used every scrap of information they could find.
Learner examples
There is not a scrap of food in the fridge.
Egy szemernyi étel sincs a hűtőben.
He has not a scrap of respect for the rules.
Egy szemernyi tisztelet sincs benne a szabályok iránt.
We found no scrap of evidence to help us.
She did not give me a scrap of help.
I do not feel a scrap of fear now.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this with the "small piece of material" sense and try to use it with physical things in positive sentences. This meaning is usually used with abstract nouns (e.g. evidence, respect, hope) and often in negative phrases like "not a scrap of...".
Meaning
tiny amount, often none at all
Collocations
not a scrap
|a scrap of evidence
|a scrap of information
|a scrap of respect
|every scrap of
|a single scrap
Synonyms
shred (Often used with "of" in similar negative phrases (e.g. "not a shred of evidence"), slightly more formal or dramatic.)
Antonyms
plenty (Indicates a large or sufficient amount, the opposite of a very small or nonexistent amount.)
Themes
amount
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A very, very small amount of something, often used to say there is almost none or none at all.
A very small or even negligible amount of something, often used in negative statements to emphasize the lack of it.
B1
5
ételmaradék
B1
Usage pattern:
food scraps
She put the food scraps into the compost bin.
Az ételmaradékot a komposztálóba tette.
He likes to give table scraps to the dog.
Szeret ételmaradékot adni a kutyának.
Please scrape your scraps into this bowl before washing the plates.
The chickens live mainly on kitchen scraps and grain.
They separated food scraps from plastic and glass for recycling.
Learner examples
He gave the dog some food scraps.
Adott a kutyának egy kis ételmaradékot.
Please put your table scraps in this box.
Kérlek, tedd az ételmaradékot ebbe a dobozba.
We throw our kitchen scraps into the compost.
There were only a few scraps left on her plate.
The cat was waiting for scraps in the kitchen.
Common mistake:
Learners may think "scraps" always means metal or trash. In the phrase "food scraps" or "table scraps", it specifically refers to small bits of leftover food.
Meaning
small pieces of leftover food
Collocations
food scraps
|table scraps
|kitchen scraps
|leftover scraps
|feed the dog scraps
|throw scraps away
Synonyms
leftovers (More general; can mean full portions of uneaten food, not just small bits.)
Antonyms
meal (Refers to the complete food you eat, whereas scraps are what is left after eating.)
Themes
food
|daily life
|environment
|food_drink
|daily_life
Definition
Small pieces of food left on your plate or on the table after you finish eating.
Small pieces of leftover food that remain after a meal, often thrown away or given to animals.
NOUN
C1
INFORMAL
6
Usage pattern:
get into a scrap (with [someone])
Two boys got into a scrap behind the gym.
Két fiú csetepatéba keveredett a tornaterem mögött.
He came home with a black eye after a barroom scrap.
Monoklival ment haza egy kocsmai verekedés után.
The teacher broke up the scrap before anyone got hurt.
They had a brief scrap in the hallway and then walked away.
It was just a little scrap, nothing serious.
Learner examples
The boys had a scrap after school.
A fiúk összeverekedtek iskola után.
He got into a scrap at the bar.
Balhéba keveredett a bárban.
The coach stopped the scrap on the field.
It was only a small scrap, not a big fight.
They often get into scraps but stay friends.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with the "piece of material" meaning. When you say "get into a scrap", it almost always means a fight, not anything to do with paper or metal.
Meaning
brief physical fight or scuffle
Collocations
get into a scrap
|a little scrap
|a schoolyard scrap
|a barroom scrap
|end the scrap
|break up a scrap
Synonyms
scuffle (Slightly more formal and descriptive; often suggests confused, unorganized physical struggle.)
Antonyms
peace (Describes a state without conflict or fighting, the opposite of a fight.)
Themes
conflict
|daily life
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A short, usually small fight between people, sometimes with pushing or hitting.
A short, often not very serious physical fight or noisy argument, typically between a small number of people.
VERB
B2
7
leselejtez
B2
bontóba ad
B2
Usage pattern:
to scrap [a car / machine / object]
The car was so badly damaged that the insurance company decided to scrap it.
Az autó annyira súlyosan megsérült, hogy a biztosító úgy döntött, bontóba adja.
They scrapped the old computers and donated the usable parts.
Leselejtezték a régi számítógépeket, és eladományozták a használható alkatrészeket.
The ship will be scrapped and recycled for its steel.
We had to scrap the old boiler because repairs were too expensive.
The airline is scrapping several aging planes in its fleet.
Learner examples
The garage told him to scrap the old car.
A szerviz azt mondta neki, hogy adja bontóba a régi autót.
They will scrap the machine and buy a new one.
Leselejtezik a gépet, és vesznek egy újat.
We decided to scrap the broken fridge.
The company is scrapping its old buses.
He scrapped the bike and sold the metal.
Common mistake:
Learners may mix this up with the "cancel a plan" meaning. Use this sense mainly with physical things like cars, machines, and ships. With ideas or projects, the usual meaning is to cancel them, not to break them up for material.
Meaning
discard or break up something as scrap
Collocations
scrap the car
|scrap an old machine
|scrap a ship
|scrap it for parts
|decide to scrap
|scrap obsolete equipment
Synonyms
junk (More informal and general; does not specifically imply breaking something up for material.)
Antonyms
keep (Means to continue to have or use something instead of discarding it.)
Themes
technology
|environment
|transport
|transportation
|work
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To throw away or destroy a car, machine, or other thing because you do not want to use it anymore, often so the material can be reused.
To get rid of a physical object, especially a vehicle, machine, or appliance, usually by breaking it up for scrap material.
VERB
C1
INFORMAL
8
Usage pattern:
to scrap with [someone]
The two players started to scrap after the hard tackle.
A két játékos a kemény szerelés után verekedni kezdett.
Kids were scrapping in the playground until the teacher stepped in.
A gyerekek a játszótéren verekedtek, amíg a tanár közbe nem lépett.
He was always ready to scrap with anyone who insulted his friends.
They scrapped over the last seat on the bus.
Fans were scrapping in the stands before security arrived.
Learner examples
Two boys were scrapping outside the shop.
Két fiú verekedett az üzlet előtt.
He likes to scrap when he drinks too much.
Ha túl sokat iszik, hajlamos verekedni.
The brothers often scrap but then say sorry.
They began to scrap over a small problem.
The coach told the players not to scrap on the field.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this with "scrape" because of similar spelling. "Scrap" (verb) here is about fighting; "scrape" is about rubbing against something and making a mark or injury.
Meaning
to fight physically in a minor way
Collocations
scrap with someone
|scrap over something
|the kids were scrapping
|like to scrap
|scrapping in the corner
|ready to scrap
Synonyms
brawl (Usually suggests a bigger, wilder, and more serious fight than "scrap".)
Antonyms
make peace (Means to end conflict and stop fighting, the opposite of starting or having a fight.)
Themes
conflict
|daily life
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To have a short, usually small physical fight with someone.
To engage in a brief, often not very serious physical fight or struggle with someone.
Grammar
Dictionary form
scrap
IPA
GB/skɹˈæp/
US/skɹˈæp/
Syllables & stress
scrap (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (scrap)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: scrap
- Plural: scrap, scraps
Verb
- Base: scrap
- 3rd Person Singular: scraps
- Present Participle: scrapping
- Past: scrapped
Word family
Forms
scraps
noun
scrapping
verb
scrapped
verb
Related words
scrappy
adjective
scrapbook
noun
scrapyard
noun
Advanced or less common
scrapper
noun
Highlights
- Irregular present participle: scrapping Verb
- Irregular past: scrapped Verb
Expressions
a scrap of paper
1/ə skɹˈæp əv pˈeɪpɚ/
fixed phrase
small piece of paper
A small piece of paper, often used for a quick note.
Examples
- She wrote the address on a scrap of paper.
- I found his number on a scrap of paper in my pocket.
get into a scrap
1/ɡˈɛt ˈɪntu ə skɹˈæp/
fixed phrase
informal
get involved in a small fight
To start having a short physical fight with someone.
Examples
- He got into a scrap with another fan after the game.
- The boys often get into scraps but they make up quickly.
not a scrap
1/nˈɑt ə skɹˈæp/
fixed phrase
no amount whatsoever
Used to say there is no amount of something at all.
Examples
- There was not a scrap of food left after the party.
- He showed not a scrap of interest in the offer.
on the scrap heap
1/ˈɔn ðə skɹˈæp hˈip/
idiom
no longer wanted or useful
Not used or wanted anymore, like old things that are thrown away.
Examples
- Many older workers fear being thrown on the scrap heap.
- The new technology has put several old systems on the scrap heap.
scrap a plan
1/skɹˈæp ə plˈæn/
fixed phrase
cancel a plan
To decide not to do a plan anymore.
Examples
- We had to scrap our holiday plan when I got sick.
- After the tests failed, they scrapped the plan and tried a new idea.
sold for scrap
1/sˈoʊld fɚ skɹˈæp/
fixed phrase
sold as scrap material
Sold not to use as a normal object, but so the material can be recycled.
Examples
- The boat was too damaged and was sold for scrap.
- They bought old cars, stripped them, and sold them for scrap.
table scraps
1/tˈeɪbəl skɹˈæps/
fixed phrase
leftover bits of food from a meal
Small pieces of food left on plates after a meal, often given to pets or thrown away.
Examples
- They never give table scraps to their dog.
- We put the table scraps into the compost bin.
scrap metal
1/skɹˈæp mˈɛtəl/
fixed phrase
discarded metal for recycling
Old or broken metal that people keep or sell so it can be used again.
Examples
- The old car was sold for scrap metal.
- He makes money by collecting scrap metal.
- Scrap metal prices have gone up this year.
- The yard was full of scrap metal from old machines.