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-ə-lē 

adverb

shadiness

ˈshā-dē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• shaded
• shadowed
• shadowy
• umbrageous

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

Unfortunately, based on a string of IRS warnings this year, some really bad tax advice and shady tax preparation promoters are floating around on social media and elsewhere. —Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 22 July 2024

His sister Amanda and mother Varsovia track down the suspect, Hernán, a diver with shady ties. —Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 22 July 2024

Coleus plants in garden beds bring reds, purples, whites, lime greens, and other colors to shady beds, partially shaded borders, and sunny spots. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2024

Its quaint gravel trail beckons visitors through a shady oasis with homey-feeling wooden benches. —Domenica Bongiovanni, The Indianapolis Star, 18 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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