1
as in dilapidated
showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect
shabby wallpaper that was peeling from the walls
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shabby
The accommodations could have formerly been described as shabby chic or Spartan, but Peregrine is intent on changing that impression--upgrading the aesthetic appeal and functionality of its 345 guest rooms.
—
David Weiss, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Many of them had recently moved to the capital city of Honiara, a shabby port on Guadalcanal, in search of jobs.
—Pete McKenzie, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025
During one lunch hour, Walter Matthau appeared in a shabby overcoat.
—James Barron, New York Times, 14 May 2025
But the 2016 cast was not too shabby: Charlie Blackmon and Nolan Arenado each hit two, and DJ LeMahieu, Gerardo Para, and Carlos Gonzalez each hit one.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for shabby
David Weiss, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Many of them had recently moved to the capital city of Honiara, a shabby port on Guadalcanal, in search of jobs.
—Pete McKenzie, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025
During one lunch hour, Walter Matthau appeared in a shabby overcoat.
—James Barron, New York Times, 14 May 2025
But the 2016 cast was not too shabby: Charlie Blackmon and Nolan Arenado each hit two, and DJ LeMahieu, Gerardo Para, and Carlos Gonzalez each hit one.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for shabby
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shabby
Adjective
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Now, as soon as next year, the historic campus will transform into housing with 213 apartments as the city's Department of Metropolitan Development and private developers redevelop dilapidated buildings downtown into residential and commercial spaces.—
Alysa Guffey,
IndyStar,
2 July 2025
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But Spencer said replacing old, dilapidated buildings with newer ones could also put the district in a better position to compete with charter schools.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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Living under a tattered flag of St. George, the people here have reconstructed some semblance of society by relying on traditional tasks and traditional attitudes.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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But its location in the neglected and overgrown space remains a mystery.—
Laura L. Davis,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
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What’s a neglected part of your ME—your health, learning, or joy?—
Nell Derick Debevoise,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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The breaks in these branches were more ragged and irregular.—
Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
5 July 2025
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One such oddity — a ragged chunk of leather — is part of the Civil War collection at the Vicksburg National Military Park in western Mississippi.—
Mark Price
July 3,
Miami Herald,
3 July 2025
Adjective
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Staining not only revives faded wood but also helps protect it from sun, moisture and insects.—
Angie Hicks,
Boston Herald,
27 June 2025
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Select a faded flower and follow the stem down, cutting it 12 inches or more below the bloom, deep into the plant to encourage more long stems.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shabby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shabby. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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