adj

leery

LEER-ree

Leery (adj) means Cautious or suspicious about something, unwilling to fully trust it. Example: “I'm leery of investments that promise guaranteed high returns.”

adj

Cautious or suspicious about something, unwilling to fully trust it.

"I'm leery of investments that promise guaranteed high returns."

"She was leery of the stranger offering free advice."

How to use leery

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWary or distrustful, holding back because something feels off.

When to use it

Informal — common in speech, less so in formal writing.

Common pairings

leery of grow leery

Word forms

leerier comparative, leeriest superlative

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I'm _____ of investments that promise guaranteed high returns.

Etymology

First recorded in the early 1700s, likely built from "leer" (a sly, sideways look) plus the adjective ending -y.

· First attested 1700

Class of 1700 leery joined the language around 1700.

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Synonyms

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wary suspicious distrustful cautious skeptical hesitant

Related words

afraid careful suspect brave shy suspicious uncertain reluctant

Rhymes for leery

very every fiery query emery artery celery bakery finery ornery misery watery

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Frequently asked questions

What does “leery” mean?

The word “leery” means cautious or suspicious about something, unwilling to fully trust it. In plain terms, wary or distrustful, holding back because something feels off.

How do you pronounce “leery”?

“Leery” is pronounced LEER-ree (/ˈlɪɚi/ in IPA).

How do you use “leery” in a sentence?

Here is “leery” used in a sentence: “I'm leery of investments that promise guaranteed high returns.”

What part of speech is “leery”?

“Leery” is an adjective.

Where does the word “leery” come from?

The word “leery” dates back to around 1700. First recorded in the early 1700s, likely built from "leer" (a sly, sideways look) plus the adjective ending -y.

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afraid careful suspect brave shy suspicious uncertain reluctant