lousier; lousiest
1
: infested (see infest sense 2) with lice
the ragged, lousy tribesmenT. E. Lawrence
2
a
: totally repulsive (see repulsive sense 3) : contemptible
a lousy way of getting even
b
: miserably poor or inferior
got lousy grades
c
: somewhat ill
felt lousy after dinner
d
: amply supplied : replete
lousy with money
3
of silk : fuzzy and specked because of splitting of the fiber
lousily adverb
lousiness noun

Examples of lousy in a Sentence

She got lousy grades in high school. I like the work, but the pay is lousy. He was a lousy husband. They did a lousy job. He drank too much and felt lousy the next morning. It's a lousy, rainy day. That's a lousy way to treat a friend.
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.
Telesco gave Pierce a lousy quarterback situation Here is where the Pierce supporters have a case. Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025 Danvers was a lousy character in a lousy TV show and Foster was far from the top of her game. Erik Kain, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 Being the family arbitrator is a thankless job; the pay is lousy. Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2025 Francis, now retired in the Sierra foothills, is quite mindful of the Carter narrative– lousy president, sainted ex-president — and reacted to its mention in a tone that mixed weariness with resignation. Mark Barabak, The Mercury News, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for lousy 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lousy was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near lousy

Cite this Entry

“Lousy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lousy. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

lousy

adjective
lousier; lousiest
1
: infested with lice
2
a
: totally disgusting : contemptible
b
: of very poor quality
got lousy grades
c
: somewhat ill
felt lousy after dinner
d
: well supplied
lousy with money
lousiness noun

Medical Definition

lousy

adjective
lousier; lousiest
: infested with lice

More from Merriam-Webster on lousy

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