Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Morally degraded or sordid: Describes something or someone that is disreputable, corrupt, or involved in low, dishonest activities.
   • Of very poor quality; flimsy: Describes something that is cheaply, shoddily, or insubstantially made.
   • Of cloth; thin and loosely woven: Describes fabric that is of low quality, often transparent or flimsy.

Usage Examples

• Morally degraded:
  • The reporter investigated the sleazy dealings of the corrupt officials.
  • He avoided the sleazy bars in that part of town.
• Of poor quality:
  • The tent was made of sleazy material that tore easily in the wind.
  • They moved out of the sleazy apartment with its broken fixtures.
• Of cloth:
  • The costume used a sleazy fabric that looked cheap under the lights.

Advanced Usage

• "sleazy character": a person who is dishonest, untrustworthy, or involved in disreputable activities.
  • The con artist was a classic sleazy character.
• "sleazy operation": a business or scheme that is run in a dishonest or unethical manner.
  • The whole investment scheme was a sleazy operation designed to defraud retirees.

Variants and Related Words

• Sleazily (adverb): in a sleazy manner.
  • The tabloid newspaper reported the story sleazily.
• Sleaziness (noun): the quality or state of being sleazy.
  • The sleaziness of the neighborhood was evident.

Synonyms

• Sordid: involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt.
• Seedy: sordid and disreputable; run-down.
• Shoddy: badly made or done; inferior.
• Flimsy: insubstantial and easily damaged.

Antonyms

• Reputable: having a good reputation; considered to be honest and reliable.
• High-quality: of very good quality; well-made.
• Substantial: of considerable importance, size, or worth; solidly built.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "sleazy joint": a disreputable establishment, such as a bar or club.
  • He warned us not to go into that sleazy joint on the corner.
• "on the sleazy side": somewhat disreputable or of questionable quality.
  • Some of the used car lots were a bit on the sleazy side.

Adjective

1. morally degraded
   • a seedy district
   • the seamy side of life
   • sleazy characters hanging around casinos
   • sleazy storefronts with...dirt on the walls- Seattle Weekly
   • the sordid details of his orgies stank under his very nostrils- James Joyce
   • the squalid atmosphere of intrigue and betrayal
2. of very poor quality; flimsy
3. of cloth; thin and loosely woven
   • the coat has a sleazy lining