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

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. 22, 2023

“I felt like I was pretending when I was going in and auditioning to play these dowdy people.”

From New York Times • Mar. 14, 2023

Ella’s a model and New York socialite with a penchant for wearing collegiate, dowdy clothes that the New York Times referred to as “Wes Anderson chic” around the time of President Biden’s inauguration.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 19, 2022

“No, I’m tired of being dowdy, so I dressed up as a change. You always make yourself nice for table, no matter how tired you are, so why shouldn’t I when I have the time?”

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott