lowdown

1 of 2

noun

low·​down ˈlō-ˌdau̇n 

: the inside facts : dope

gave us the lowdown on the situation

low-down

2 of 2

adjective

ˈlō-(ˌ)dau̇n 

1

: contemptible, base

a low-down dirty liar

2

: deeply emotional

low-down blues

Synonyms

Noun

• 411 [slang]
• book
• dope
• inside
• poop [slang]
• scoop
• skinny [slang]
• tip

Adjective

• base
• contemptible
• currish
• despicable
• detestable
• dirty
• dishonorable
• execrable
• ignoble
• ignominious
• low
• low-minded
• mean
• nasty
• paltry
• snide
• sordid
• vile
• wretched

Examples of lowdown in a Sentence

Noun

have you heard the lowdown on the new chairman of the department?

Adjective

of all the low-down tricks that have ever been played in the history of that game

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Ditching your wife for the empty promise of an online affair is a rotten, cowardly, lowdown way out. —Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 13 Oct. 2023

Lab lowdown: Our testers loved the convenience of meals and that everything just needed to be quickly re-heated, no additional preparation was necessary just heat and serve. —goodhousekeeping.com, 18 May 2023

Adjective

With its spacious, cheery dining room, friendly staff and a fun bar (even in the daytime), the fact that this downtown taqueria escapes me sometimes is a low-down dirty shame. —Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 20 Feb. 2024

Keep reading to get the low-down on what experts recommend in the new year. —Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 30 Dec. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1905, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing lowdown

• get the lowdown on
• the lowdown

Kids Definition

lowdown

noun

low·​down ˈlō-ˌdau̇n 

: reliable information