ropey

British

/ ˈrəʊpɪ /

adjective

informal
1. inferior or inadequate
2. slightly unwell; below par
(of a viscous or sticky substance) forming strands or filaments
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

Other Word Forms

ropily adverb
ropiness noun

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.

In a thoroughly miserable lap of Australia and with some ropey cricket played by both sides, the most memorable moment was Joe Root's landmark century on the opening day of the second Test.

From BBC

It only took one ropey first-day performance from Australia for the West Australian to turn on them.

From BBC

Possibly churlish not to get the full 10, but he played a pretty ropey shot in the first innings.

From BBC

When it got a little bit ropey towards the end, that chance fell to him and I don't think anyone thought he was going to miss.

From BBC

One try, 10 carries, 18 tackles - he was an absolute pest just as soon as the Lions settled down after their initial ropey period.

From BBC

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