Synonyms for

Shabby

Verb / ˈʃæbi: / Another word for shabby — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

worn out or frayed; showing signs of wear and tear; of poor quality or condition

Synonyms & similar words

ratty tatty motheaten tattered threadbare worn ragged scruffy dilapidated seedy rundown shoddy defective poor inferior bad unfashionable outdated dated old-fashioned frayed moth-eaten faded

Synonyms by register

Formal

dilapidated worn threadbare decrepit

Informal

ratty crummy beat-up junky

Literary

seedy faded worn-out

Antonyms

new pristine excellent smart elegant luxurious tidy

Common collocations

  • shabby chic
  • shabby treatment
  • shabby clothes
  • shabby condition
  • shabby appearance
  • shabby furniture
  • shabby hotel

Word family

noun shabbiness
adjective shabby
adverb shabbily

Usage note

Often used to describe things that are old and worn out, or in poor condition, implying a lack of care or quality. Can also describe behavior that is mean or unfair.

Example sentences

  1. The shabby old couch was covered in stains and tears.
  2. She wore a shabby dress to the party.
  3. The hotel room was shabby and run-down.
  4. The car was in a shabby condition.
  5. The shabby school building needed repairs.

Quotes

  • 'The shabby equipment that had been used to torture and kill me was still in the room.' - Nelson Mandela
  • 'The whole place was shabby and dirty and felt like a brothel.' - Elena Ferrante
  • 'I have no dress except the one I wear every day. If you are going to be kind enough to give me one, please let it be practical and dark so that I can put it on afterwards to go to the laboratory.' - Marie Curie, describing her shabby attire to a friend.

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