Sleazy
/ˈsliːzi/
Definitions
2 meaningsMorally questionable or disreputable; marked by low standards.
/ˈsliːzi/
Characterized by low moral standards; disreputable or sordid.
He was accused of running a sleazy business.
💡 Simply: Imagine a place or person that's a bit shady, like a place that's run down, doesn't feel safe, or makes you feel uncomfortable, or maybe someone who's a bit untrustworthy. That's sleazy!
👶 For kids: When something is sleazy, it's not very nice or honest. Like a dirty old building or a person who is trying to trick you.
More Examples
The bar had a sleazy atmosphere.
The politician was exposed for his sleazy dealings.
How It's Used
"The hotel was known for its sleazy reputation."
"The movie depicted a sleazy underworld."
Inferior in quality or appearance; cheap.
/ˈsliːzi/
Characterized by cheapness or poor quality; flimsy.
The cheap hotel room had a sleazy carpet and furniture.
💡 Simply: Think about something that looks and feels cheap, like a poorly made item or something that seems like it won't last very long. That's sleazy!
👶 For kids: Sleazy can also mean something that is not made well or looks cheap.
More Examples
The fabric of the dress was a sleazy polyester.
How It's Used
"The dress was made of sleazy material."
"The product was found to be made from sleazy, cheap materials."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From the early 20th century, likely from the adjective "sleazy" meaning 'shoddy, flimsy', perhaps influenced by "slazy" (meaning 'slovenly, slovenly') or associated with "slazy cloth" (meaning 'thin or inferior cloth').
The word "sleazy" emerged in the early 20th century and initially related to the quality of fabric before being extended to moral standards.
Memory tip
Think of a shady back alley: dirty, untrustworthy, and generally unpleasant.
Word Origin
"Likely related to inferior quality or disreputability"