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

It still features the dazzling double staircase and checkered marble flooring in the grand entryway.

From MarketWatch

But “Reality Check,” a new Netflix docuseries now streaming that examines “ANTM” and its checkered history through the accounts of those who were a part of it, is not affiliated with Banks.

From Los Angeles Times

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