1
as in dilapidated
showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect
shabby wallpaper that was peeling from the walls
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tattered
worn or torn into or as if into rags
shabby, stained clothes that are barely better than rags
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of shabby
Blacksmithing Is Having a Moment: The combination of adorable animals, good-looking men (and women) and the satisfaction of watching a shabby hoof get scraped and hammered has emerged as must-scroll viewing for millions of people.
—
New York Times, 21 June 2025
On the one hand, this is simply the essence of middle England: rueful, reduced, shabby, and funny-sad in a Larkinesque way.
—James Wood, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
The roughing continues in the shabby apartment of Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), the reporter for the Daily Planet who is dating her fellow newsman Clark Kent on the sly.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 8 July 2025
The truth about these shabby dealings should have consequences.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shabby
New York Times, 21 June 2025
On the one hand, this is simply the essence of middle England: rueful, reduced, shabby, and funny-sad in a Larkinesque way.
—James Wood, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
The roughing continues in the shabby apartment of Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), the reporter for the Daily Planet who is dating her fellow newsman Clark Kent on the sly.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 8 July 2025
The truth about these shabby dealings should have consequences.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shabby
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shabby
Adjective
-
The real estate flipper and property manager who built his empire on broken promises Former real estate broker Bert Whalen lived comfortably in a waterfront mansion on Geist Reservoir while Indianapolis tenants suffered in dilapidated and neglected homes his companies managed.—
Alexandria Burris,
IndyStar,
13 Aug. 2025
-
By now, most Denverites know that the Denver Broncos’ ownership team is highly considering acquiring the dilapidated and contaminated Burnham Yard site from the state to build a new stadium and entertainment district.—
The Denver Post Editorial Board,
Denver Post,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Regional sports networks, once a gusher for programmers and operators, have been in a tattered financial state due to cord-cutting.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
6 Aug. 2025
-
On a visit to another small Ok. town, Cox spied a tattered awning that said Country Bird, which was the perfect name for her bakery.—
Gary Stern,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
Close the Loop Following through on commitments is the simplest and yet shockingly most neglected way to earn long-term trust.—
Serenity Gibbons,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
-
But its location in the neglected and overgrown space remains a mystery.—
Laura L. Davis,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Adjective
-
The Chiefs were flagged 11 times, reflecting the ragged play by reserves.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
10 Aug. 2025
-
My breathing was labored—short and ragged inhales, long faint exhales.—
Amie Barrodale,
Harpers Magazine,
16 July 2025
Adjective
-
There is, also, something compensatory in a regard for faded footstools, thick boots and window curtains.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Aug. 2025
-
Dial options include matte black, tropical brown, and vintage navy, all featuring creamy Super-LumiNova GL old radium markers designed to evoke the faded lume of historic tool watches.—
Matthew Catellier,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shabby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shabby. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share