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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.

As he proved Saturday, he is not too shabby outdoors, either.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

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

From Salon • Mar. 28, 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

The fish-out-of-water comedy show followed the wealthy Rose family as they abruptly lose their money and mansion, and are forced to move into a shabby motel in a deadbeat town they bought as a joke.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

“This dress is fine. Old and shabby as it is.”

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas

Vocabulary lists containing shabby

Maus I: My Father Bleeds History

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