What does sleazy mean?
Sleazy describes something that is disreputable, morally objectionable, or of conspicuously poor quality. It is often applied to people and places associated with shady, improper, or embarrassing conduct: a sleazy business, a sleazy neighbourhood, or a sleazy character. The word can also describe goods or conditions that seem attractive at first but are revealed to be cheap, careless, or unsatisfactory. Its tone is strongly negative and conveys suspicion as well as disapproval, making it especially effective for describing businesses or institutions that appear respectable while hiding questionable practices. In British and American English, "sleazy" is common in informal speech and journalism, where it serves as a blunt alternative to more formal terms such as "disreputable," "unethical," or "shoddy."
adjectiveDisreputable, morally objectionable, or of poor and shoddy quality. It can describe people, places, businesses, or the manner of their conduct.
- Of a person, business, place, or thing: disreputable, morally objectionable, or seedy.
- Of something made or maintained: of poor, shoddy, or unsatisfactory quality.
"The hotel was cheap and comfortable, but the surrounding neighbourhood had a sleazy reputation."
"The reporter described the politician as a sleazy operator who had manipulated every interview."
"The jacket was stylish at first, but its sleazy fabric and construction quickly made it look cheap."
Sleazy is often used for places that look attractive but have a questionable reputation underneath.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sleazy come from?
The adjective developed from the slang noun "sleaze," which referred to a contemptible or disreputable person or thing. Adding the suffix "-y" formed the adjective in the early twentieth century. The word belongs to informal American English and reflects a long-standing vocabulary for describing cheapness, moral disrepute, and suspicious dealings.
Related word forms
How sleazy is actually used
Sleazy is strongly negative and informal in tone. It is common in speech and journalism, but may sound more accusatory than words such as "shoddy" or "disreputable" in formal writing.
Easily confused with sleazy
Greasy can describe something physically coated in fat or a manner that is flattering and insincere, whereas sleazy more strongly suggests something disreputable, shoddy, or morally objectionable.