shady

1 of 2

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

shadiness

2 of 2

noun

shad·​i·​ness -dēnə̇s 

-din-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being shady

shadiness of a deal

shadiness of a woodland grove

Synonyms of shady

Adjective

• shaded
• shadowy
• shadowed
• sheltered
• darkened

Examples of shady in a Sentence

Adjective

Their backyard is nice and shady.

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Beyond the shimmying visit, the mystery of who killed Victor is expected to motor the sophomore season’s overarching storyline, including digging into people from the corrupt politician’s shady past. — Emily Krauser, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026

Because in a state whose government is supposed to be blessed with sunshine 365 days a year, Hope Florida is shady as heck. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2026

Danger lurked in the shady groves of avocado trees that stretched on the mountainsides as far as the eye could see. — Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

These leafy plants do well in the ground and in containers, especially in your shady corners where other plants won’t thrive. — Annie Burdick, The Spruce, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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