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ropey

British  
/ ˈrəʊpɪ /

adjective

  1. informal

    1. inferior or inadequate

    2. slightly unwell; below par

  2. (of a viscous or sticky substance) forming strands or filaments

  3. resembling a rope

    ropey muscles

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A review from the technology outlet Tech Advisor found the phone to be “based heavily” on the HTC U24 and called it “a rather ropey two-year-old phone.”

From Salon • May 21, 2026

They were so dangerous and so competitive for long spells, but a failure to turn pressure into points, coupled with a ropey third quarter against France's monstrous forward replacements, cost them dear.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2025

“He was able to extricate John’s voice from a ropey little bit of cassette, where it had John’s voice and a piano,” McCartney said in this week’s interview.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2023

Jackson was “able to extricate John’s voice from a ropey little bit of cassette and a piano,” McCartney told BBC radio.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 13, 2023

And though Finn was tall, his arms and legs ropey with farm muscle, the Rudes were wider and stronger, and there were about four and a half too many of them.

From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby

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