tacky

1 of 2

adjective (1)

ˈta-kē 

tackier; tackiest

: somewhat sticky to the touch

tacky varnish

also : characterized by tack : adhesive

tacky

2 of 2

adjective (2)

tackier; tackiest

1

: not having or exhibiting good taste: such as

a

: marked by cheap showiness : gaudy

a tacky publicity stunt

a tacky outfit

b

: marked by lack of style : dowdy

2

a

: characterized by lack of good breeding

couldn't run around downtown … in a bikini, which was tacky

—Cyra McFadden

b

: shabby, seedy

a tacky town whose citrus groves were blighted by smoke

—Bryce Nelson

Synonyms

Adjective (1)

• adherent
• adhesive
• clingy
• gluey
• glutinous
• gummy
• sticky
• tenacious
• viscid

Adjective (2)

• cheesy
• dowdy
• inelegant
• styleless
• tasteless
• ticky-tacky
• ticky-tack
• trashy
• unfashionable
• unstylish

Examples of tacky in a Sentence

Adjective (1)

don't touch the walls while the fresh paint is still tacky

Adjective (2)

it was tacky to wear sneakers to the wedding

tacky plastic flowers

a tacky old couch that needed new upholstery

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

This squishy, reusable, doughnut-sized ring made of silicone has a super tacky surface that grabs fur while tumbling around with clothes and pet bedding in your washer and dryer, then releases it into drains and vents. —Marni Jameson, The Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2024

Refrigerate, uncovered, for up to 12 hours, until the surface of the filet feels dry, not tacky, and has a shiny appearance. —The View, ABC News, 27 Nov. 2024

Warm water and soap solution: Use a solution of warm water and soap to wipe away the tacky residue by adding a couple of soap drops to a spray bottle of water. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Nov. 2024

Rinse it as well as possible, as any remaining soap will make the hide look slightly matted and leave a slightly stiff or tacky feel. —Beka Garris, Outdoor Life, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

tack entry 2

Adjective (2)

tacky a low-class person

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1788, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing tacky

• ticky-tacky

Kids Definition

tacky

1 of 2 adjective

ˈtak-ē 

tackier; tackiest

: somewhat sticky to the touch

tacky varnish

tacky

2 of 2 adjective

tackier; tackiest

1

: shabby sense 2b, seedy

2

: marked by lack of style or good taste

a tacky outfit