shadowy

[shad-oh-ee]

adjective

shadowier, shadowiest 

1. resembling a shadow in faintness, slightness, etc..

   shadowy outlines.

2. unsubstantial, unreal, or illusory.

   shadowy preoccupations.

3. abounding in shadow; shady.

   a shadowy path.

4. enveloped in shadow.

5. casting a shadow.

shadowy

/ ˈʃædəʊɪ /

adjective

1. full of shadows; dark; shady

2. resembling a shadow in faintness; vague

3. illusory or imaginary

4. mysterious or secretive

   a shadowy underworld figure

Other Word Forms

• shadowiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of shadowy¹

First recorded in 1325–75, shadowy is from the Middle English word shadewy. See shadow, -y ¹

Example Sentences

Like many things in the shadowy world of cyber crime, an insider threat is something very few people have experience of.

From BBC

Besides being able to stop time temporarily, the shadowy character also serves another function in Borderland.

From Salon

This was not the work of a lone assassin, the dictator declared; a vast, shadowy opposition conspiracy was responsible.

From Salon

Redford’s presence at the festival was erratic, and at times shadowy, as not to eclipse the festival’s filmmakers.

From Los Angeles Times

The Federal Trade Commission accused a shadowy group of flooding Ticketmaster with fake accounts to purchase and resell tickets to concerts by Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen and other top artists.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dark 
• ghostly 
• shady