sleazy

adjective

slea·​zy ˈslē-zē 

 also  ˈslā-

sleazier; sleaziest

1

a

: lacking firmness of texture : flimsy

b

: carelessly made of inferior materials : shoddy

2

a

: marked by low character or quality

sleazy tabloids

b

: squalid, dilapidated

sleazy bars

sleazily

ˈslē-zə-lē 

 also  ˈslā-

adverb

sleaziness

ˈslē-zē-nəs 

 also  ˈslā-

noun

Synonyms

• skanky [slang]
• sluttish
• slutty
• trampy

Examples of sleazy in a Sentence

a dancer in a sleazy outfit

a sleazy lothario who is always on the make

Recent Examples on the Web

Maxine refuses to cooperate, being more unnerved by the sleazy private eye John Labat (Kevin Bacon), who knows her real name and — more importantly — seems to hold the key to the real killer’s identity. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 26 June 2024

Formed between Gloucestershire and London, the duo presents a suite of synth-pop odysseys, woodwind fantasias, and ceremonial folk jigs situated midway between a sleazy club dancefloor and Stone Henge. —Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 13 Sep. 2024

Yasmin seems to find comfort in men like Henry, who are similar to her father — wealthy, sleazy, and weak-willed. —Louis Staples, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2024

Meanwhile, Lydia’s daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), wants nothing to do with the family’s supernatural legacy – or with her mother’s sleazy business manager/boyfriend Rory (Justin Theroux). —Troy Aidan Sambajon, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

circa 1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

sleazy

adjective

slea·​zy ˈslē-zē 

 also  ˈslā-

sleazier; sleaziest

1

: not firm in texture : flimsy

2

: made carelessly of poor material : shoddy

sleazily

-zə-lē 

adverb

sleaziness

-zē-nəs 

noun