frumpy

[ fruhm-pee ]

adjective

, frump·i·er, frump·i·est.

1. frumpish.

frumpy

/ ˈfrʌmpɪʃ; ˈfrʌmpɪ /

adjective

1. (of a woman, clothes, etc) dowdy, drab, or unattractive

Derived Forms

• ˈfrumpiness, noun
• ˈfrumpily, adverb

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of frumpy¹

First recorded in 1740–50; frump + -y ¹

Example Sentences

They cited her “frumpy cardigan, shapeless above-the-knee shift” and, get this, “‘demure’ makeup.”

From Salon

Still, Birkenstock has much else going for it - including the ability to stay popular decades since first becoming well-known as somewhat frumpy but comfortable sandals that complete a laidback, hippie look.

From Reuters

The drape, fit and feel of clothes are her passion and her living, but her own outfit is pallid, frumpy — a kind of camouflage.

From New York Times

Humphries’ obituaries have demarcated the journey she took to get here, from frumpy 1950s Melbourne hausfrau to 1980s glamazon, yet once she arrived, she seemed to have been waiting for us all along.

From Washington Post

However you look, you will feel frumpy compared to everyone else.

From New York Times

Related Words

• baggy