Synonyms

junky

¹ American

[juhng-kee] / ˈdʒʌŋ ki /

adjective

junkier, junkiest

of the nature of junk; trashy.

junky ² American

[juhng-kee] / ˈdʒʌŋ ki /

noun

plural

junkies

junkie.

Etymology

Origin of junky¹

First recorded in 1945–50; junk ¹ + -y ²

Origin of junky²

junk ³ + -y ²

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.

Through October, the junky small-company category rallied by 256% versus just 29% for those with quality characteristics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

It included absurd videos, off-kilter advertising images, cheesy propaganda, fake news that looks pretty real, junky AI-written books, “workslop” reports that waste coworkers’ time — and lots of talking cats.

From Salon • Jan. 13, 2026

Investors should still steer clear of the most junky corporate bonds, said Hoxha, who is Newton’s head of fixed income.

From Barron's • Oct. 9, 2025

Of course, we can try once again to make the arguments about why this test should not be used and how junky the science behind it is.

From Slate • Aug. 22, 2025

“We’ll have Nerf-gun parties, get a gigantic TV, and stock the kitchen with junky stuff that our moms never buy. For kids only.”

From "The House That Lou Built" by Mae Respicio

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023