meretricious

For Daisy Dixon, who teaches philosophy at Cardiff University, the idea has nothing to do with art that is poorly executed, intellectually meretricious, technically sloppy or aesthetically kitschy.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

The economic crash of 1929 descended on America like an ice age, ending a meretricious prosperity.

From Salon ● Nov. 4, 2023

Fox could argue, plausibly if uncomfortably, that some of its performers are entertainers lacking aptitudes, motives or incentives for making journalistic judgments about meretricious statements uttered on their programs.

From Washington Post ● Jan. 11, 2023

Waititi has a long-standing affinity for young characters, whether he’s making a charmer like “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” or a meretricious clunker like “Jojo Rabbit.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 5, 2022

Yet how often does the search after false originality lead only to meretricious cleverness or vulgarity, which creeps in unseen during the too close struggle with the craft.131 But our muttons need tending.

From Pottery, for Artists Craftsmen & Teachers by George J. Cox