shoddy

[shod-ee]

adjective

shoddier, shoddiest 

1. of poor quality or inferior workmanship.

   a shoddy bookcase.

2. intentionally rude or inconsiderate; shabby.

   shoddy behavior.

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

/ ˈʃɒdɪ /

adjective

1. imitating something of better quality

2. of poor quality; trashy

3. made of shoddy material

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

• shoddily adverb
• shoddiness noun
• half-shoddy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shoddy¹

First recorded in 1825–35; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of shoddy¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Government bailouts let shoddy companies survive their mistakes.

Read more on Barron's

Upon first glance, the place looked a bit shoddy, Stringer said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Subsequent studies placing the blame on the Army Corps of Engineers’ shoddy construction have been amply covered.

Read more on Salon

The home was stripped of all its furniture and had a shoddy new paint job on the interior walls, Wen Hou said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The NRLA, which represents landlords, has called the move a "shoddy and outrageous way to make law" that will force their members to "shoulder even greater risks" when letting out property.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• inferior 
• run down 
• shabby 
• shameful