sketchy

American  

[skech-ee] / ˈskɛtʃ i /

adjective

sketchier, sketchiest

1. like a sketch; giving only outlines or essentials.

   Synonyms:

   crude, meager, rough, cursory

2. imperfect, incomplete, slight, or superficial.

   a sketchy meal.

3. Informal.

   1. unreliable or unsafe.

      That street looks pretty sketchy.

   2. disreputable or shady.

      I'd stay away from him; he's got a sketchy past.

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sketchy British  

/ ˈskɛtʃɪ /

adjective

1. characteristic of a sketch; existing only in outline

2. superficial or slight

3. informal uncertain or unreliable

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Other Word Forms

• sketchily adverb
• sketchiness noun

Etymology

Origin of sketchy

First recorded in 1795–1805; sketch + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Details remain sketchy, and other reports suggest Iran is unwilling to negotiate without security guarantees.

From Barron's

"That one was sketchy. I hit a really good putt and luckily it went in and then I was really nervous from there on out."

From Barron's

Free VPNs make sense for several reasons: trying services before buying, getting occasional privacy when you need it, emergency security on sketchy public WiFi, or giving people on tight budgets some basic protection.

From Salon

We fly past yet another highway exit, this one featuring just two gas stations and a sketchy motel.

From Literature

MD: Sometimes it can be sketchy and you feel vulnerable.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cursory
• faulty
• inadequate
• insufficient
• perfunctory
• preliminary
• skimpy
• superficial
• vague