shady

adjective

ˈshā-dē 

shadier; shadiest

1

: producing or affording shade

2

: sheltered from the sun's rays

3

a

: of questionable merit : uncertain, unreliable

b

: disreputable

shadily

ˈshā-də-lē 

adverb

shadiness

ˈshā-dē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of shady

• shaded
• shadowy
• shadowed
• sheltered
• darkened

Examples of shady in a Sentence

Their backyard is nice and shady.

I don't trust him. He seems like a pretty shady character.

Recent Examples on the Web

Beyond litigation, the center runs the Florida Trident news site, which has published award-winning investigative journalism about everything from aging nuclear power plants to shady government contractors. — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Nov. 2026

Scientists figured it was stuck in a shady spot where sunlight couldn't reach its solar panels. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 12 Nov. 2026

Within each of these thrillers lurk so many shady husbands, brothers, bosses, and dads. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 12 Nov. 2026

Neither artist has commented on the decision, which makes the entire hubbub seem even shadier. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shady

• cady
• lady
• zaidi
• arcady
• landlady

Kids Definition

shady

adjective

ˈshād-ē 

shadier; shadiest

1

: casting a shadow : giving shade

2

: sheltered from the sun's rays

a shady grove

3

: not right or honest

a shady business deal

shadily

ˈshād-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

shadiness

ˈshād-ē-nəs 

noun