shady

adjective

ˈshā-dē 

shadier; shadiest

1

: producing or affording shade

2

: sheltered from the sun's rays

3

a

: of questionable merit : uncertain, unreliable

b

: disreputable

shadily

ˈshā-də-lē 

adverb

shadiness

ˈshā-dē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of shady

• shaded
• shadowy
• shadowed
• sheltered
• darkened

Examples of shady in a Sentence

Their backyard is nice and shady.

I don't trust him. He seems like a pretty shady character.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many shady electronics companies are happy to sell you the wrong component for the wrong price. — Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026

The fake image was attention-grabbing, shady, and timely — in other words, perfect for social media virality but a potential liability for the parties involved. — Mia Sato, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026

Amenities for workers include a rooftop daycare center, on-site medical practice and shady areas to socialize. — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026

If weather permits, be sure to dine at Oliveto Restaurant & Lounge Bar, which sits beneath a shady grove of trees and overlooks the pool and vineyard. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shady

• cady
• lady
• zaidi
• arcady
• landlady

Kids Definition

shady

adjective

ˈshād-ē 

shadier; shadiest

1

: casting a shadow : giving shade

2

: sheltered from the sun's rays

a shady grove

3

: not right or honest

a shady business deal

shadily

ˈshād-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

shadiness

ˈshād-ē-nəs 

noun