grungy

adjective

grun·​gy ˈgrən-jē 

grungier; grungiest

1

: shabby or dirty in character or condition

2

: characteristic of grunge music or fashion

Synonyms of grungy

• filthy
• dusty
• blackened
• dirty
• stained
• muddy
• black
• nasty

Examples of grungy in a Sentence

After working in the garden all day, I felt sweaty and grungy.

a grungy pair of jeans

Recent Examples on the Web

Each strap wrapped around the shaft of her boots, imparting a grungy effect. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 20 Sep. 2026

His new movie Misty Green — which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last night — kicks off with a photo montage that pinballs between glitzy premieres and grungy street life, gorgeous Santa Monica sunsets and downtown tent cities. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2026

As a touring comedian and actor averse to grungy accommodations, Jones is a natural fit for the HGTV gig. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Sep. 2026

Kuk and especially Kodelja shine with naturalistic charm in this delicate two-hander, their easy chemistry making credible the rapport between Maruša’s grungy cynic and Alja’s snuggie-wearing neurotic. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for grungy

• bungee
• spongy

Kids Definition

grungy

adjective

grun·​gy ˈgrən-jē 

grungier; grungiest

: being in a shabby or dirty condition