dodgy
Americanadjective
-
inclined to dodge.
-
evasively tricky.
a dodgy manner of dealing with people.
-
Chiefly British. risky; hazardous; chancy.
adjective
-
risky, difficult, or dangerous
-
uncertain or unreliable; tricky
Etymology
Origin of dodgy
Explanation
A dodgy situation is risky and suspicious. A dodgy person is skilled in lying and deceiving. Neither should be trusted. When a person or situation is called dodgy, it's a clue that they should be dodged if at all possible. A job might be dodgy because it's illegal or dangerous. A shortcut might be dodgy if it could damage your car. Running a marathon without preparation is very dodgy. Similarly, a dodgy person is untrustworthy because they’re evasive, cunning, sly, or just a flat-out liar.
Vocabulary lists containing dodgy
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Never Let Me Go
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Wicked Ways: words for winning at all costs
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Every year millions of dodgy apps and cheapo internet-connected devices ship with an unadvertised back door called residential proxy software.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026
“We should worry about tight lending standards getting that bit tighter, lower rated credit spreads getting priced that bit wider, and perceived dodgy or vulnerable exposures coming under more scrutiny.”
From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026
His previous track record included several allegations of dodgy financial dealings, and he was well known for his “connections and friendships with the world’s super rich,” as a BBC report put it in December 2024.
From Salon • Feb. 15, 2026
A well-to-do worker in finance, he is ready to spread a lot of money around, and make some dodgy connections, to find her.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026
“Skulkin’ around Knockturn Alley, I dunno — dodgy place, Harry — don’ want no one ter see yeh down there —” “I realized that,” said Harry, ducking as Hagrid made to brush him off again.
From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
