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

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

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