dowdy

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.

The company also saw that its selection was dowdy and uninspiring.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026

Unthinkable as it seems, Edna was dowdy then, given to mousy brown hair and pillbox hats.

From New York Times • Apr. 22, 2023

The character of Dame Edna began as a dowdy Mrs. Norm Everage who first took to the stage in Humphries’ hometown of Melbourne in the mid-1950s.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 21, 2023

Coupled with a terrific performance by Long Beach Opera that includes more than one star turn, the dowdy Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro became the unlikely locale for a double operatic triumph.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2023

“She’s proud, but I don’t believe she’d mind, for that dowdy tarlaton is all she has got. She may tear it tonight, and that will be a good excuse for offering a decent one.”

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott