shady

adjective

ˈshā-dē 

shadier; shadiest

1

: producing or affording shade

2

: sheltered from the sun's rays

3

a

: of questionable merit : uncertain, unreliable

b

: disreputable

shadily

ˈshā-də-lē 

adverb

shadiness

ˈshā-dē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• shaded
• shadowed
• shadowy
• umbrageous

Examples of shady in a Sentence

Their backyard is nice and shady.

I don't trust him. He seems like a pretty shady character.

Recent Examples on the Web

To avoid having to go upstairs to a guest room for nap time, the shady privacy of a cabana offers a perfect space for young children (or tired parents) to nap. —Margaux Lushing, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Yang shared on his Instagram Stories in response to fans who saw it as a shady portrayal. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2024

Suggested Reading Elon Musk's pro-Trump super PAC is doing some shady stuff A sleeping United Airlines passenger was beaten bloody by fellow flyer Trump is promising big tariffs. —Melvin Backman, Quartz, 31 Oct. 2024

Listen to this article A zombie ant, a pair of bats and a gorilla lurked around the shadiest alcoves of a Cook County forest preserve on Saturday, scouring the earth for decomposing life forms. —Peter Breen, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

shady

adjective

ˈshād-ē 

shadier; shadiest

1

: casting a shadow : giving shade

2

: sheltered from the sun's rays

a shady grove

3

: not right or honest

a shady business deal

shadily

ˈshād-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

shadiness

ˈshād-ē-nəs 

noun