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.

The Angels’ shoddy defense exacerbated the scoring spree.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

Experts raised concerns about shoddy construction and signs of erosion.

From Salon • May 25, 2026

But they angered him by withholding a final payment, instructing him to first complete his shoddy work to a higher standard.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

In June 2024, the Enterprises and their partners filed a $600 million lawsuit, accusing Shvo of shoddy construction that left the club “dimly lit and aesthetically unappealing”— and burdened by leaky showers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 15, 2026

Five years feels like a lifetime when one day bleeds into the next, and your world doesn’t stretch any farther than the gray electric fence surrounding two miles of shoddy buildings and mud.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken

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