checkered

[ chek-erd ]

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.

Other Words From

• un·checkered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of checkered¹

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

Example Sentences

But the history is checkered and the beauty is blemished.

From Los Angeles Times

Her urban polish was a contrast to the stereotypical copper country getup of checkered shirt, western-style belt buckle, bolo tie and Stetson hat.

From Los Angeles Times

Although the ship had a checkered safety record, the Coast Guard said it passed inspection last September.

From Salon

The Games have a checkered history with gender equality — most women were prohibited from even watching the competition in ancient Greece.

From Los Angeles Times

To break through some of the barriers, SkunkWorks coordinated a chess tournament in March between prison staff and prisoners, with checkered tables set up in a gym in the prison yard.

From Los Angeles Times