tacky

1 of 2

adjective (1)

ˈta-kē 

tackier; tackiest

: somewhat sticky to the touch

tacky varnish

also : characterized by tack : adhesive

tacky

2 of 2

adjective (2)

tackier; tackiest

1

: not having or exhibiting good taste: such as

a

: marked by cheap showiness : gaudy

a tacky publicity stunt

a tacky outfit

b

: marked by lack of style : dowdy

2

a

: characterized by lack of good breeding

… couldn't run around downtown … in a bikini, which was tacky …

—Cyra McFadden

b

: shabby, seedy

… a tacky town whose citrus groves were blighted by smoke …

—Bryce Nelson

Synonyms of tacky

Adjective (1)

• adhesive
• sticky

Adjective (2)

• inappropriate
• cheesy
• unsuitable
• trashy
• tasteless
• incorrect
• unfashionable
• wrong
• dowdy
• inelegant
• cheap

Examples of tacky in a Sentence

Adjective (1)

don't touch the walls while the fresh paint is still tacky

Adjective (2)

it was tacky to wear sneakers to the wedding

tacky plastic flowers

a tacky old couch that needed new upholstery

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The meringue that had about 50% sugar was super tacky. —Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Jan. 2026

Meanwhile, the shoes are also recognized by their signature gum sole, which is naturally tackier than standard rubber and can grip better on slick flooring. —Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 3 Jan. 2026

Continue to beat on medium speed until dough is elastic, tacky, and pulls away cleanly from sides but still sticks slightly to bottom of bowl, about 5 minutes longer. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2025

Gen is sticking her tacky hats in the gift bags. —Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

tack entry 2

Adjective (2)

tacky a low-class person

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1788, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing tacky

• ticky-tacky

Rhymes for tacky

• bacchae
• jacky
• lackey
• wacky

Kids Definition

tacky

1 of 2 adjective

ˈtak-ē 

tackier; tackiest

: somewhat sticky to the touch

tacky varnish

tacky

2 of 2 adjective

tackier; tackiest

1

: shabby sense 2b, seedy

2

: marked by lack of style or good taste

a tacky outfit