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

In addition, consumer devices, including smart TVs and routers, can be secretly ensnared by such proxy services via malware or shady third-party software development kits (SDKs). — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026

In making an explicit pledge not to sell customer data to outside firms, Ford is trying to position itself as one of the better actors in an industry rife with shady practices. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 2 Nov. 2026

Add quick color and rich texture to shady beds and borders with these hardy plants. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2026

Both about power-mad blondes getting involved with the shadier side of the medical industrial complex, but Matt Hagen’s nanites worked, dammit! — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 Oct. 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