adjective
sleazy
SLEE-zee
Sleazy (adjective) means Dishonest, corrupt, or morally low, often in a sordid or seedy way. Example: “The lawyer used sleazy tactics to intimidate witnesses.”
adjective
1
Dishonest, corrupt, or morally low, often in a sordid or seedy way.
"The lawyer used sleazy tactics to intimidate witnesses."
2
Tastelessly sexual or seedy in appearance.
"They avoided the sleazy bars near the docks."
How to use sleazy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes something or someone dishonest, seedy, or distastefully low-class, often with sexual overtones.
Common pairings
sleazy bar
sleazy tactics
sleazy salesman
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Word forms
- Comparative
- sleazier
- Superlative
- sleaziest
Fill the gap
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The lawyer used _____ tactics to intimidate witnesses.
Etymology
Of uncertain origin, possibly linked to "Silesia," a region once known for producing thin, low-quality cloth.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for sleazy
See all rhymes for sleazy →Frequently asked questions
What does “sleazy” mean?
The word “sleazy” means dishonest, corrupt, or morally low, often in a sordid or seedy way.
How do you pronounce “sleazy”?
“Sleazy” is pronounced SLEE-zee (/ˈsliː.zi/ in IPA).
How do you use “sleazy” in a sentence?
Here is “sleazy” used in a sentence: “The lawyer used sleazy tactics to intimidate witnesses.”
What part of speech is “sleazy”?
“Sleazy” is an adjective.
How many meanings does “sleazy” have?
“Sleazy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: dishonest, corrupt, or morally low, often in a sordid or seedy way.
