Definitions

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.

When he finally buys a seemingly more respectable house, it turns out to be shoddy and overpriced.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

The Angels’ shoddy defense exacerbated the scoring spree.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 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

Roof and building collapses are common across Pakistan, mainly because of poor safety standards and shoddy construction materials in the South Asian country of more than 240 million people.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

The officials at the school were accommodating, however, and instead of chastising him for his sometimes shoddy work, they awarded him a gold medal for becoming the youngest grandmaster in history.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Vocabulary lists containing shoddy

Oh, No! Synonyms for "Bad"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Pygmalion

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Darkest Minds

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!