Definitions

tacky

[tak-ee] / ˈtæk i /

ADJECTIVE

cheap, tasteless

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dingy faded gaudy messy run down seedy shabby sleazy threadbare vulgar

WEAK

broken-down crude dilapidated dowdy down-at-heel frumpy inelegant mangy nasty out-of-date outmoded poky ratty shoddy sloppy slovenly stodgy unbecoming unkempt unstylish unsuitable untidy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

nice refined respectable

WEAK

classy expensive tasteful

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.

One problem, though: Untreated rubber becomes brittle when exposed to cold, and tacky and runny when hot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

It was spectacularly tested at the hall’s 10th anniversary, but with tacky prerecorded video and crummy amplification.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

"It was a tacky wicket as it was under cover for a while. After losing a few wickets, it was tough to get back into the game."

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

Chinese wellness practices, once associated with the tacky and geriatric, have suddenly found themselves in vogue, largely among Americans.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

The front room looked tacky and dirty and she saw Mister Brannon notice everything.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers

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