sketchy

American  

[skech-ee] / ˈskɛtʃ i /

adjective

sketchier, sketchiest

1. like a sketch; giving only outlines or essentials.

   Synonyms:

   crude, meager, rough, cursory

2. imperfect, incomplete, slight, or superficial.

   a sketchy meal.

3. Informal.

   1. unreliable or unsafe.

      That street looks pretty sketchy.

   2. disreputable or shady.

      I'd stay away from him; he's got a sketchy past.

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sketchy British  

/ ˈskɛtʃɪ /

adjective

1. characteristic of a sketch; existing only in outline

2. superficial or slight

3. informal uncertain or unreliable

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Other Word Forms

• sketchily adverb
• sketchiness noun

Etymology

Origin of sketchy

First recorded in 1795–1805; sketch + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Details remain sketchy, and other reports suggest Iran is unwilling to negotiate without security guarantees.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

The 22-year-old American served six double faults and was broken five times in a sketchy display, but she had enough to win through and set up a match against Amanda Anisimova or Belinda Bencic.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Third-party sellers can be sketchy and might not honor refund policies.

From Salon • Feb. 11, 2026

Unfortunately, with little education, few bona fides and a sketchy reputation, Dooley received no credit for the discovery.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2025

Far from satisfying him, the sketchy meal only whetted his appetite; moreover, the onion had made his lip smart and burn.

From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

Related Words

• cursory
• faulty
• inadequate
• insufficient
• perfunctory
• preliminary
• skimpy
• superficial
• vague