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

The zany comedian appeared in every episode of the popular variety show that ran for five seasons, playing characters such as the frumpy, hairnet-wearing Gladys Ormphby. —Pat Saperstein, Variety, 2 May 2025

In just a few short months Ms. Mac, 30, and Mr. James, 28, have gained reputations for escaping the sometimes frumpy poetry scene of the outer boroughs. —Savannah Sobrevilla, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025

The style of the ’60s S-Type sports saloon—bold and feline when introduced—just looked frumpy on the new model of the same name that was launched in 1999 and intended to take on BMW’s world-beating 5-Series. —Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2025

This ultra light cashmere cardigan gives off refined rather than frumpy vibes thanks to its understated shape and warm oatmeal tone. —Ebony-Renee Baker, refinery29.com, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for frumpy

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