shoddy

[shod-ee] / ˈʃɒd i /

ADJECTIVE

in bad shape

Synonyms

STRONGEST

inferior run down shabby shameful

STRONG

base common gaudy junky makeshift mean plastic poor sad

WEAK

broken-down cheap cheesy dilapidated dingy discreditable disgraceful dishonorable disreputable ignominious inglorious not up to snuff paltry pretentious scruffy second-rate seedy shady sleazy slipshod tacky tawdry trashy unrespectable

Antonyms

STRONGEST

good respectable

STRONG

noble refined sophisticated superior

WEAK

fine nice

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.

From a market perspective, they help reveal shoddy management practices and even fraud.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

It added that it would recommend a departmental inquiry against CBI officials for their shoddy probe in the case.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

The island produces 40,000 barrels a day of low-quality crude, which is mostly used to power obsolete electricty plants that often fail because of shoddy maintenance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

Anyone who has worked for a wage has shared space with someone whose work was so shoddy that it made you angry to receive the same salary at week’s end.

From Salon • Jan. 14, 2026

I can see her at the funeral, a shoddy, low-cost affair held in the basement of some dubious funeral parlor.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

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