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

• 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

One of them is Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend), a shady pharmaceuticals bigwig who wants to develop the world’s most effective heart medication using dinosaur blood samples. —Tom Gliatto, People.com, 30 June 2025

Old-school bedding impatiens will bloom continuously in a shady spot. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 June 2025

Create a shady spot to relax outside with this two-tone umbrella that’s sure to add a vibrant pop to patios and pools. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025

Give your foliage plants a vacation; move them outdoors to a shady spot for summer. 78. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025

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