sketchy
Sketchy (adj) means Incomplete or lacking in detail; only roughly outlined. Example: “The details of the plan were still pretty sketchy.”
How to use sketchy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "not fully worked out" or, in casual speech, "shady and untrustworthy."
The "shady/suspicious" sense is informal, common in everyday conversation.
Word forms
sketchier comparative, sketchiest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The details of the plan were still pretty _____.
Etymology
From "sketch" plus "-y," originally meaning rough and unfinished like a sketch.
Related words
Rhymes for sketchy
See all rhymes for sketchy →Frequently asked questions
What does “sketchy” mean?
The word “sketchy” means incomplete or lacking in detail; only roughly outlined. In plain terms, either "not fully worked out" or, in casual speech, "shady and untrustworthy.".
How do you pronounce “sketchy”?
“Sketchy” is pronounced SKEHT-shee (/ˈskɛt͡ʃi/ in IPA).
How do you use “sketchy” in a sentence?
Here is “sketchy” used in a sentence: “The details of the plan were still pretty sketchy.”
What is another word for “sketchy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sketchy” include dicey, dodgy, dubious, seedy and shady.
What part of speech is “sketchy”?
“Sketchy” is an adjective.
Is “sketchy” a common word?
“Sketchy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sketchy” have?
“Sketchy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: incomplete or lacking in detail; only roughly outlined.