Definitions

dowdy

[dou-dee] / ˈdaʊ di /

ADJECTIVE

poorly dressed; old-fashioned

Synonyms

STRONGEST

antiquated dingy drab frumpy run down shabby unkempt

STRONG

bygone plain vintage

WEAK

archaic baggy bedraggled blowsy dated dull frowzy homely moldy old hat out-of-date outdated outmoded passé scrubby slatternly sloppy slovenly stodgy tacky tasteless unfashionable unseemly unstylish untidy wrinkled

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bright good neat

WEAK

chic classy fashionable modern

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Back at the van, PC Josh Dowdy detains a 12-year-old boy who is already banned from the city centre and on bail.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Dowdy said no one has ever fired at him, though he has had close calls.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

This week, host June Thomas talks to writer and podcaster Brad Dowdy, who makes his living as a pen and stationery enthusiast.

From Slate • Sep. 17, 2023

Moore spokesperson Demi Dowdy said Friday that she had no additional comment beyond her statement Thursday that gambling would require “further caucus consideration” before it could be included in the budget.

From Washington Times • Sep. 8, 2023

"Dowdy?" repeated Mrs. Willoughby, in an interrogative tone.

From The American Baron by De Mille, James

Vocabulary lists containing dowdy

The Picture of Dorian Gray

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Howl's Moving Castle

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