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Definitions

shabby

[shab-ee] / ˈʃæb i /
ADJECTIVE
broken-down; in poor shape
Synonyms
STRONGEST
crummy decaying decrepit desolate dilapidated dingy pitiful ramshackle ratty rickety run down scruffy seedy shoddy squalid tacky tattered threadbare worn
WEAK
bare bedraggled decayed degenerated deteriorated deteriorating disfigured disreputable dog-eared faded frayed gone to seed mangy meager mean miserable moth-eaten neglected poor poverty-stricken ragged ruined ruinous scrubby sleazy slipshod tired worn-out worse for wear wretched
Antonyms
STRONGEST
clean fresh good happy healthy new nice stable unused
WEAK
honorable respectable
ADJECTIVE
despicable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cheap shoddy
WEAK
beggarly contemptible despisable dirty disgraceful dishonorable disreputable ignoble ignominious inconsiderate inglorious low low-down mean mercenary miserly rotten scummy selfish shady shameful sordid sorry stingy thoughtless unkind unworthy
Antonyms
WEAK
good honorable nice respectable

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.

He is obsessed with popular media and showbiz and the shabby values they embody.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

Since it announced its closure, I’ve been visiting as often as I can to say farewell, not only to the charmingly shabby faux-1920s interiors, but to the many lives I’ve lived at its tables.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

“I’m doing an analysis right now for a couple where his PIA is $4,050 and hers is not too shabby, either. They could have $100,000 coming in as income per year. That’s a huge foundation.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

Starting pay for its nurses averages close to $120,000, which isn’t shabby even in a city with a high cost of living.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

It was a place the script called Shinbone Alley, in a shabby section of the city.

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein

Vocabulary lists containing shabby

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