shady

American  

[shey-dee] / ˈʃeɪ di /

adjective

shadier, shadiest

1. abounding in shade; shaded: shade.

   shady paths.

2. giving shade.

   a shady tree.

3. shadowy; indistinct; spectral.

4. of dubious character; rather disreputable.

   shady dealings.

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idioms

1. on the shady side of, beyond (the specified age); more than.

   on the shady side of 40.

shady British  

/ ˈʃeɪdɪ /

adjective

1. full of shade; shaded

2. affording or casting a shade

3. dim, quiet, or concealed

4. informal dubious or questionable as to honesty or legality

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Other Word Forms

• shadily adverb
• shadiness noun
• unshadily adverb
• unshadiness noun
• unshady adjective

Etymology

Origin of shady

First recorded in 1570–80; shade + -y ¹

Example Sentences

In other words, Instagram is likely to flag a shady account that tries to connect with a teen, but other less suspicious accounts could make contact.

From The Wall Street Journal

The shady system we uncovered appears to work as follows.

From BBC

The boss, played by Demi Moore, is revealed to be involved in all sorts of shady corporate intrigue.

From The Wall Street Journal

Another homeowner who was abroad when the fire broke out said the plans were "fundamentally shady".

From BBC

As for the ring, the shady characters who dealt in stolen items were well known to the Saint Petersburg police, and officers were dispatched to interview them all.

From Literature

Related Words

• crooked
• dishonest
• dubious
• questionable
• slippery
• underhanded
• unscrupulous