checkered

American  

[chek-erd] / ˈtʃɛk ərd /

adjective

1. marked by numerous and various shifts or changes; variegated.

   a checkered career.

   Synonyms:

   seesaw, irregular, uneven, varied

2. marked by dubious episodes; suspect in character or quality.

   a checkered past.

3. marked with squares.

   a checkered fabric.

4. diversified in color; alternately light and shadowed.

   the checkered shade beneath trees.

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Other Word Forms

• uncheckered adjective

Etymology

Origin of checkered

1350–1400; Middle English. See checker ¹, -ed ²

Example Sentences

Scott’s group ranked the Tulsa Zoo among the 10 worst zoos for elephants last year, claiming it suffers from overcrowding and a breeding program with a checkered history.

From Los Angeles Times

Christoffels was resplendent in a new black suit, new checkered vest, a snowy white shirt, flowered tie, and stiff starched collar.

From Literature

A series on BritBox blends the police thriller with complex family drama in following a magistrate with a checkered past.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a matter of 10 seconds, he had launched himself from third to first—and straight to the checkered flag.

From The Wall Street Journal

It still features the dazzling double staircase and checkered marble flooring in the grand entryway.

From MarketWatch