sleazy

1 of 2

adjective

slea·​zy ˈslē-zē 

also ˈslā-

sleazier; sleaziest

1

a

: lacking firmness of texture : flimsy

b

: carelessly made of inferior materials : shoddy

2

a

: marked by low character or quality

sleazy tabloids

b

: squalid, dilapidated

sleazy bars

sleazily

ˈslē-zə-lē 

also ˈslā-

adverb

sleaziness

ˈslē-zē-nəs 

also ˈslā-

noun

sleaziness

2 of 2

noun

slea·​zi·​ness -zēnə̇s 

-zin-

plural -es

: the state or quality of being sleazy

Synonyms of sleazy

Adjective

• corrupt
• perverted
• skanky
• slutty

Examples of sleazy in a Sentence

Adjective

a dancer in a sleazy outfit

a sleazy lothario who is always on the make

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Jason Maddy disappears into multiple roles including the sleazy diner owner, the jolly Napa depot manager who pre-reads everyone’s mail and the wise doctor who treats Tony after a car accident. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026

Ian Fleming, who set some of From Russia with Love's most memorable scenes in this area, delighted in its 'sleazy romance'. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

As polished-glam and old-Hollywood as the references were, there were moments that also felt sleazy and fun in the way that Hollywood in 2007 did, when getting photographed pouring out of a car on the way into the club was a rite of passage and full of its own twisted promise. — Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026

Within a decade, TMZ made its name with a combination of sleazy and sensational celebrity news. — ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

origin unknown

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for sleazy

• breezy
• cheesy
• easy
• queasy
• wheezy
• marchese
• speakeasy
• uneasy

Kids Definition

sleazy

adjective

slea·​zy ˈslē-zē 

also ˈslā-

sleazier; sleaziest

1

: not firm in texture : flimsy

2

: made carelessly of poor material : shoddy

sleazily

-zə-lē 

adverb

sleaziness

-zē-nəs 

noun