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adj C2 Proficient

seedy

SEE-dee

Seedy (adj) means Run-down, disreputable, or associated with dishonest or illegal activity. Example: “They met in a seedy bar on the edge of town.”

adj
1
Run-down, disreputable, or associated with dishonest or illegal activity.
"They met in a seedy bar on the edge of town."
"He had a seedy reputation among his former colleagues."
2
Containing or full of seeds.
"The jam was seedy but delicious."

How to use seedy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSleazy, shabby, or disreputable — usually describing a place, neighborhood, or person.

Common pairings
seedy bar seedy neighborhood seedy character

Word forms

seedier comparative, seediest superlative

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Test yourself on “seedy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

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Can you complete this real example?

They met in a _____ bar on the edge of town.

Etymology

Originally meant "full of seeds," but by the 1700s came to describe someone worn-out or shabby — like a plant that has gone to seed and lost its bloom.

· First attested 1700

Class of 1700 seedy joined the language around 1700.
See the full Class of 1700 →

Rhymes for seedy

See all rhymes for seedy →

Frequently asked questions

What does “seedy” mean?

The word “seedy” means run-down, disreputable, or associated with dishonest or illegal activity. In plain terms, sleazy, shabby, or disreputable — usually describing a place, neighborhood, or person.

How do you pronounce “seedy”?

“Seedy” is pronounced SEE-dee (/ˈsiːdi/ in IPA).

How do you use “seedy” in a sentence?

Here is “seedy” used in a sentence: “They met in a seedy bar on the edge of town.”

What part of speech is “seedy”?

“Seedy” is an adjective.

Where does the word “seedy” come from?

The word “seedy” dates back to around 1700. Originally meant "full of seeds," but by the 1700s came to describe someone worn-out or shabby — like a plant that has gone to seed and lost its bloom.

How many meanings does “seedy” have?

“Seedy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: run-down, disreputable, or associated with dishonest or illegal activity.

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