sketchy
/'sketʃi/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Incomplete or lacking detail: Providing only a basic outline or the most important points, without thoroughness or comprehensive information.
- Superficial or vague: Not fully formed, developed, or reliable; giving an impression of being hastily done or uncertain.
Usage
The adjective "sketchy" is used to describe information, accounts, descriptions, plans, or knowledge that is not detailed, thorough, or entirely trustworthy. It often implies that more information is needed for clarity or reliability.
Examples
- Describing Information:
- The initial news reports were sketchy, so we waited for more details.
- He gave only a sketchy outline of the proposal.
- Describing Knowledge or Memory:
- My recollection of the event is sketchy at best.
- She has a sketchy understanding of the subject.
- Describing Something of Poor Quality:
- The repairs were sketchy and didn't last long.
- We stayed in a sketchy motel on the edge of town. (Informal, implying dubious quality or safety)
Advanced Usage
- "Sketchy on (details)": Lacking specific information about something.
- I'm a bit sketchy on the exact dates.
- Informal Use for Suspicion: In informal contexts, "sketchy" can describe a person, place, or situation that seems suspicious, unreliable, or potentially dangerous.
- That guy hanging around the parking lot seemed really sketchy.
- I avoid that neighborhood at night; it feels sketchy.
Variants and Related Words
- Sketch (noun/verb): A rough drawing or a brief outline. The adjective "sketchy" derives from this.
- She drew a quick sketch. (Noun)
- Can you sketch out your ideas? (Verb)
- Sketchily (adverb): In a sketchy manner.
- The plan was sketchily described.
- Sketchiness (noun): The quality of being sketchy.
- The sketchiness of the data makes it hard to draw conclusions.
Synonyms
- Incomplete: Not having all the necessary parts.
- Vague: Of uncertain or indefinite character.
- Superficial: Existing or occurring at or on the surface; not thorough.
- Cursory: Hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed.
- Rudimentary: Involving or limited to basic principles.
Antonyms
- Detailed: Having many details or facts.
- Comprehensive: Including all or nearly all elements or aspects.
- Thorough: Complete with regard to every detail.
- Exhaustive: Including or considering all elements or aspects; fully comprehensive.
Idioms and Phrases
- A sketchy picture/idea: An understanding or description that lacks detail.
- The witness provided only a sketchy picture of the suspect.
- Sketchy at best: An idiom emphasizing that something is very incomplete or unreliable.
- The evidence for that theory is sketchy at best.
Adjective
-
giving only major points; lacking completeness
-
a sketchy account
-
details of the plan remain sketchy
-
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