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
• 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

Good for a cool, shady location, the blooms are pale blue with purple shading nodding bells, 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter, and grows up to 15 feet tall. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 3 May 2025

After the events of the April 24 episode aired, Brunette escalated the drama with a shady Instagram Reel. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 2 May 2025

Louis-Dreyfus' Valentina Allegra de Fontaine has been lurking around the MCU for years now, turning from a shady behind-the-scenes operative to the head of the CIA. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 2 May 2025

Imagine committing elaborate crimes to garner viral influencer attention or making connections with shady associates via the dark web. —Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 2 May 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