seamy

[ see-mee ]

adjective

, seam·i·er, seam·i·est.

1. unpleasant or sordid; low; disagreeable:

   the seamy side of life.

   Synonyms: nasty, coarse, rough, squalid

2. having, showing, or of the nature of a seam.

seamy

/ ˈsiːmɪ /

adjective

1. showing the least pleasant aspect; sordid
2. (esp of the inner side of a garment) showing many seams

Derived Forms

• ˈseaminess, noun

Other Words From

• seami·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of seamy¹

1595–1605; seam + -y ¹; in transferred senses alluding to the unpresentable appearance of the inside of a garment, i.e., where the seams show

Example Sentences

Though the case featured sometimes seamy discussion of sex and tabloid industry practices, the actual charges concern something decidedly less flashy: reimbursements Trump signed for Cohen for the payments.

From Seattle Times

It could also allow Trump to drag the case into the seamy tabloid waters that he has been swimming in for decades.

From New York Times

Working with cinematographer Robby Müller, Friedkin puts a Los Angeles on screen that is equal parts glamorous and seamy, where even the palm tree in the movie’s logo looks like a gunshot wound.

From Los Angeles Times

But for fans of those seamy places where art and smut intersect, this movie is a nasty little treat.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s no seamy underside to these works, which are both elegant and modern, as if there is no contradiction between the two ideas.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• disreputable
• disturbing
• nasty
• sordid
• unpleasant