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

And Michael Kevin Darnall, who channels the cadences of the 40th president, is splendidly sleazy as Whaley’s associate Ed. —Celia Wren, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024

Kid is first seen in an ape mask fighting (and losing) bare-knuckle battles in an underground arena run by a sleazy South African (Sharlto Copley). —Ty Burr, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 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