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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shabby
That’s not too shabby, although Singaporeans, holding the world’s most powerful passport, can visit a cool 192 countries without getting a visa ahead of time.
—
AFAR Media, 13 Oct. 2025
His record against fellow ‘Big Six’ teams as a whole is not too shabby either.
—Art De Roché, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Just then a figure stepped out of the shadows, or sidled, rather, a low, ruffianly type clad in a shabby, dark-green coat and leather gaiters.
—Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
At a time when economic anxiety is high, stable’s not too shabby.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shabby
AFAR Media, 13 Oct. 2025
His record against fellow ‘Big Six’ teams as a whole is not too shabby either.
—Art De Roché, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Just then a figure stepped out of the shadows, or sidled, rather, a low, ruffianly type clad in a shabby, dark-green coat and leather gaiters.
—Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
At a time when economic anxiety is high, stable’s not too shabby.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shabby
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shabby
Adjective
-
Forgetting Derry’s communal traumas is as much a part of the town’s firmament as the scenic canals, the nearby Air Force base where Charlotte’s hubby Leroy (Jovan Adepo) has been newly posted, and the dilapidated house at 29 Neibolt Street.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Oct. 2025
-
The dilapidated wooden trim and sagging porticos were spruced up a few years ago after preservationists complained to the Landmarks Preservation Commission, but the upstairs windows reveal glimpses of peeling paint, crumbling plaster, and collapsing ceilings inside.—
Kim Velsey,
Curbed,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The archangel of trendy-casual walkaroundfits (new word, please spread around) just stepped out in hip-hugging bootcut jeans, a loose and intentionally tattered white T-shirt, a gold pendant necklace, and dark sunglasses, an easy all-American look for a morning on the go.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
7 Oct. 2025
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Wallen then stumbles to his feet in the middle of the road, as rain pours down, with close-up images showing Wallen in tattered clothes and covered in scrapes and cuts.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Those plans were later abandoned during the pandemic and the house joined Denver’s neglected and derelict building list in 2024.—
Justin Wingerter,
Denver Post,
8 Oct. 2025
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Same premise as the exterior, but even more important: Don’t buy a car with a neglected interior.—
Jimmy Camp,
Oc Register,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Her once ragged fur transformed.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Suddenly, a horde of ragged, bloodied creatures appear, their feet shuffling along the pavement, their hollow eyes locked on fleeing figures ahead.—
Tom Duszynski,
The Conversation,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Her long blond ends drew a stark contrast to her faded brown roots, which were parted down the middle and brushed up in the back.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
17 Oct. 2025
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The faded colors and distressed pattern give the rug an always-been-here feel and lend a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere to the space.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shabby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shabby. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.
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