Dents

The plural form of 'dent,' meaning a small, often shallow, depression or indentation on a surface caused by a blow or pressure. dents can be permanent or temporary and can occur on a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and even soft substances. They often indicate damage or wear, and the size and severity of a dent can vary widely. Beyond the literal, the word can metaphorically refer to a setback or a negative impact, like a dent in someone's reputation or progress. The presence of dents suggests an external force had impact on a surface.

Dents meaning with examples

• The car's fender had several significant dents from the minor accident, requiring professional repair to restore its smooth appearance. The hail storm left numerous dents on the roof and hood of the vehicle, causing it to look heavily damaged and significantly reducing its value. They were covered with a protective coating, which meant no dents in the paintwork or the chassis. The repair job cost thousands, due to the complicated body panel shapes.
• During the fight, the boxer delivered a blow that caused visible dents in his opponent's protective headgear, which were obvious and indicative of the severity of the impact. The collision, although low speed left noticeable dents in the bumper that could not be simply buffed out and required the panel to be replaced, due to the extent of damage. Despite the repairs, subtle dents still marked the metal casing. He has a long list of things to replace after.
• Carelessly placing the heavy suitcase on the antique wooden table resulted in a few noticeable dents on its polished surface, which sadly detracted from its value. The once pristine surface was now marred by a series of small dents from a clumsy handling of the furniture. She was very upset as it had belonged to her mother and was now damaged. The furniture needed restoring.
• The company faced several major financial challenges, causing considerable dents in its profitability and stock value. The new regulations put a considerable dents in the industry. The bad press caused dents in his popularity ratings and made a huge dent in his chances of winning the election. They needed a rescue package.