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 notesIn plain EnglishSleazy, shabby, or disreputable — usually describing a place, neighborhood, or person.
Common pairings
seedy bar
seedy neighborhood
seedy character
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Word forms
- Comparative
- seedier
- Superlative
- seediest
Fill the gap
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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.
Class of 1700
seedy joined the language around 1700.
See the full Class of 1700 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
seedless
Related words
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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