checkered

American  

[chek-erd] / ˈtʃɛk ərd /

adjective

1. marked by numerous and various shifts or changes; variegated.

   a checkered career.

   Synonyms:

   seesaw, irregular, uneven, varied

2. marked by dubious episodes; suspect in character or quality.

   a checkered past.

3. marked with squares.

   a checkered fabric.

4. diversified in color; alternately light and shadowed.

   the checkered shade beneath trees.

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Other Word Forms

• uncheckered adjective

Etymology

Origin of checkered

1350–1400; Middle English. See checker ¹, -ed ²

Example Sentences

His shaggy, blond hair was caught under a blue knit winter hat, and his checkered flannel coat guarded him from the winter weather that still chilled the air in late March.

From Literature

All of which is deeply ironic, considering Miami’s famously checkered history of slipping cash to players.

From The Wall Street Journal

I fluffed up my weary checkered skirt, then leaned against the building for a while and watched life pass me by.

From Literature

Theme parks have long had a checkered reputation when it comes to dining.

From Los Angeles Times

Although she wanted to keep her kitchen neutral, she added a pop of color with red-and-white checkered floors and a blue oven.

From MarketWatch