Definitions

sordid

[sawr-did] / ˈsɔr dɪd /

ADJECTIVE

dirty, bad, low

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disreputable nasty shameful sleazy squalid vile

WEAK

abject avaricious base black calculated corrupt covetous debauched degenerate degraded despicable dowdy filthy foul grasping grubby ignoble impure low-down mean mercenary miserable miserly poor scurvy seedy self-seeking selfish servile shabby slovenly slummy small small-minded unclean uncleanly ungenerous venal vicious wretched

Antonyms

STRONGEST

clean decent good kind nice reputable respectable

WEAK

honorable wonderful

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.

Bridger was described by those who knew him as "always confident, courteous and charming" but when police seized his computer, a sordid secret was revealed.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

Meanwhile, the locals continued to pursue their delightfully sordid lifestyles with a lot more personal privacy than would seem likely in smalltown America.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

Yet the boy’s yearning for family outweighs his sordid circumstances.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025

Chu has spent a decade trying to bring accountability to immigration detention and knows this sordid industry better than any.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 23, 2025

Above all he remembered his continuous hunger, and the fierce sordid battles at mealtimes.

From "1984" by George Orwell

Vocabulary lists containing sordid

1984

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Grade 12, List 2

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Heart of Darkness

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