sleazy

adjective

slea·​zy ˈslē-zē 

 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 

 also  ˈslā-

adverb

sleaziness

ˈslē-zē-nəs 

 also  ˈslā-

noun

Synonyms

• skanky [slang]
• sluttish
• slutty
• trampy

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

Early on, players must get a retinal scan from a sleazy senator attending Bill Clinton’s gala. —Cade Onder, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024

The legal thriller turned on someone gaming the system — corrupt politicians, murderous gangsters, sleazy lawyers, et al. — but the system usually prevailed. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024

Moore and Qualley's movie also stars Dennis Quaid, who portrays the sleazy television network executive in charge of Elisabeth Sparkle's aerobics show. —Tommy McArdle, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024

James Woods stars as a sleazy TV executive in search of the ultimate ratings grab, alongside Blondie's Debbie Harry as the seductive hostess of the titular broadcast. —Katie Rife, EW.com, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

circa 1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

sleazy

adjective

slea·​zy ˈslē-zē 

 also  ˈslā-

sleazier; sleaziest

1

: not firm in texture : flimsy

2

: made carelessly of poor material : shoddy

sleazily

-zə-lē 

adverb

sleaziness

-zē-nəs 

noun