sleazy

adjective

slea·​zy ˈslē-zē How to pronounce sleazy (audio)
 also  ˈslā-
sleazier; sleaziest
1
a
: lacking firmness of texture : flimsy
b
: carelessly made of inferior materials : shoddy
2
a
: marked by low character or quality
sleazy tabloids
b
: squalid, dilapidated
sleazy bars
sleazily
ˈslē-zə-lē How to pronounce sleazy (audio)
 also  ˈslā-
adverb
sleaziness
ˈslē-zē-nəs How to pronounce sleazy (audio)
 also  ˈslā-
noun

Examples of sleazy in a Sentence

a dancer in a sleazy outfit a sleazy lothario who is always on the make
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Hint #5: It might also be used to describe a sleazy politician. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024 She’s been relying on her righteousness as an anchor during the sleazier parts of her mission. Noel Murray, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024 Over the years, the accessory has been embraced by heartthrobs (George Michael’s famous cross earring, anyone?), but has also simultaneously gotten a bad rap for being a piece mostly worn by sleazy players or bad guys. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2024 Williams always had the style of a sleazy ’60s nightclub owner, but the minimalism of this production emphasized it in unsettling ways. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sleazy 

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

circa 1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sleazy was circa 1645

Dictionary Entries Near sleazy

Cite this Entry

“Sleazy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleazy. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

sleazy

adjective
slea·​zy ˈslē-zē How to pronounce sleazy (audio)
 also  ˈslā-
sleazier; sleaziest
1
: not firm in texture : flimsy
2
: made carelessly of poor material : shoddy
sleazily adverb
sleaziness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sleazy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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