sketchy

[ skech-ee ]

adjective

, sketch·i·er, sketch·i·est.

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.

sketchy

/ ˈskɛtʃɪ /

adjective

1. characteristic of a sketch; existing only in outline
2. superficial or slight
3. informal.
   uncertain or unreliable

Derived Forms

• ˈsketchiness, noun
• ˈsketchily, adverb

Other Words From

• sketchi·ly adverb
• sketchi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sketchy¹

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

Example Sentences

Eliava, in contrast, was a mischievous charmer who pranked his friends, once dressing as a woman to flirt with d’Hérelle at a dinner party, and kept sketchy notes in the lab.

From Salon

This, Verstappen said, was “very sketchy” on tyres running out of tread.

From BBC

“Our involvement becomes very sketchy in such places,” she said.

From Salon

Wesley Guimarães gives a lively portrayal of China, Daniel’s sketchy, good-hearted neighbor.

From Los Angeles Times

Details and consequences are breezed over or ignored entirely, making “Dragon Lady” seem sketchy in places.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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