shady

[ shey-dee ]

adjective

, shad·i·er, shad·i·est.

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.

shady

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈshadily, adverb
• ˈshadiness, noun

Other Words From

• shadi·ly adverb
• shadi·ness noun
• un·shadi·ly adverb
• un·shadi·ness noun
• un·shady adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shady¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

   on the shady side of 40.

Example Sentences

As long as this public perception remains and compounds with Stake’s already shady reputation, then the brainwashing might fall flat.

From Slate

“It was shady at first because she gave me an address to a hotel,” he laughs.

From Los Angeles Times

Yes, he had a history of shady business dealings, racist proclamations, and alleged sexual harassment.

From Slate

Trump's base of insecure and ignorant male voters isn't just useful electorally but offers up a steady supply of marks for shady MAGA-related hustles.

From Salon

“I know dyed-in-the-wool liberals who are doubting if they’re going to vote for Tester, and I know conservatives who are completely anti-Tester but are confused about ‘Shady Sheehy.’

From Slate

Related Words

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