shoddy

American  

[shod-ee] / ˈʃɒd i /

adjective

shoddier, shoddiest

1. of poor quality or inferior workmanship.

   a shoddy bookcase.

2. intentionally rude or inconsiderate; shabby.

   shoddy behavior.

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noun

plural

shoddies

1. a fibrous material obtained by shredding unfelted rags or waste.

2. anything inferior, especially a handmade item or manufactured product.

shoddy British  

/ ˈʃɒdɪ /

adjective

1. imitating something of better quality

2. of poor quality; trashy

3. made of shoddy material

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noun

1. a yarn or fabric made from wool waste or clippings

2. anything of inferior quality that is designed to simulate superior quality

Other Word Forms

• half-shoddy adjective
• shoddily adverb
• shoddiness noun

Etymology

Origin of shoddy

First recorded in 1825–35; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

Personnel files show compliance officer Coleen Vandepas was disciplined for using words like “shoddy” and “shameful” in accusing State Farm of violations.

From Los Angeles Times

Roof and building collapses are common across Pakistan, mainly because of poor safety standards and shoddy construction materials in the South Asian country of more than 240 million people.

From Barron's

In June 2024, the Enterprises and their partners filed a $600 million lawsuit, accusing Shvo of shoddy construction that left the club “dimly lit and aesthetically unappealing”— and burdened by leaky showers.

From The Wall Street Journal

It has been alleged that RT Diagnostics, which made £6.67m in three weeks, was set up in "shoddy and inadequate premises" in Halifax, West Yorkshire, and gave out false negative results to customers.

From BBC

As "AI slop" floods the internet, efforts are mounting to stem an online deluge of shoddy images and videos made using increasingly advanced tech tools.

From Barron's

Related Words

• inferior
• run down
• shabby
• shameful