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broken-down crude dilapidated dowdy down-at-heel frumpy inelegant mangy nasty out-of-date outmoded poky ratty shoddy sloppy slovenly stodgy unbecoming unkempt unstylish unsuitable untidy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

"The wicket got really good again for batting, it was slightly tacky earlier when we bowled," said Markram.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

But trot's glory days appeared to be well and truly over, with many young people viewing the genre as tacky and old-fashioned.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

The bravura production and costume design are respectively by Suzie Davies and Jacqueline Durran, both correctly tipping the outrageous into the tacky.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

Some fashion cognoscenti questioned the blue lenses, saying the choice was garish and tacky.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

“Oh, I never guessed that you would be such a fun person to know. You were so hostile in that dreadful, tacky bar.”

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole