frumpy

adjective

ˈfrəm-pē 

frumpier; frumpiest

: dowdy, drab: such as

a

: dressed in an unattractive way

He's a frumpy dresser.

That can't be Madonna playing a frumpy '30s-era missionary.

—Peter Travers

b

of clothing : not attractive : having an old, dull, unflattering, or untidy appearance

wore the same old frumpy sweater

… a dizzy mix of matronly frills, frumpy floral prints, and dotty dots …

—Flare

Frumpy shoes—those which forsake all suggestiveness in favor of comfort and mobility—are back.

—Misty White Sidell

Baggy pants, however, can add width and look frumpy.

—Christina Frank

frumpily adverb

frumpily dressed

frumpiness noun

Their hats are stained with sweat … and their clothes have an agreeable air of frumpiness.

—Cathy Horyn

Examples of frumpy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Plus, the addition of a cuff adds a more polished aesthetic that prevents you from looking frumpy at the office or dinner. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026

So, what's the key to inviting beanbags back into your home, without leaving your space feeling frumpy and undone? —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2026

Reed was not the typical dowdy or frumpy critic. —Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2026

Unlike frumpy hoodies, this zip-up has an adjustable cinchable waist to help your outfit feel more put-together. —Taylor Fox, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for frumpy

• bumpy
• dumpy
• grumpy
• jumpy
• lumpy
• stumpy