sleazy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'sleazy' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone, or something, that is considered dishonorable, cheap, or untrustworthy. For example: "The new law was passed by a sleazy politician in the middle of the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 1.32pm AEST02:32 I'm enjoying the insidious and slightly sleazy Baby I Am Nobody Now by Sydney's Andy Bull.

The Guardian

Parts of the city are indeed pretty much intact from the bleak and sleazy past.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If they're worried by it, what was the message they were sending by letting professional attention-seeker Geoffrey Edelston hijack and degrade Malthouse's record-breaking 715th game, of all occasions, when Edelsten dragged his sleazy one-man circus into the coaching box for the sake of coterie funds?

The Guardian - Sport

Lamb had been insistent that Page 3 should not be sleazy (his deputy Bernard Shrimsley once making the notable retouching instruction: "Nipples too fantastic – make nipples less fantastic"), and he gave final say over publication of each day's photo to the women's editor, Joyce Hopkirk.

The Guardian

Showing Ginger and Mrs Nipper on sleazy CCTV, locked in with eight others, grassing each other up for money until only one was left wouldn't have cut it.

The Guardian

Bucharest, as portrayed in the movie, is a sleazy, graffiti-ridden sinkhole of commercial sex and violence in which polite questions to strangers are answered with surly threats.

The New York Times

This sleazy confection becomes a runaway success, until the hero finds himself, under his real name, on the judging panel for a prize that it's tipped to win … it sounds like something Spike Lee would not only do well but find satisfying.

The Guardian - Film

Lorre looked like a sleazy baby, his face registering every passing petulance, ready to drop from a hopeful grin down to a sulk.

The Guardian - Film

About Ellroy's general gloomy depiction of the city, BookMike said: I think I'd actually be disappointed if I went to LA and it wasn't the sweaty, sleazy glamour, floating precariously over and regularly taking a swim in a river of sin that Ellroy paints.

The Guardian - Books

If people think Apple is a sleazy company that employs workers under abusive conditions, they will not want to pay as much for its phones, and then those Chinese workers will be harmed.

The Economist

She raises the Clinton scandal only to dismiss it as a sleazy diversion.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "sleazy", consider the impact on your audience. Its negative connotation can be quite strong, so be sure that the context justifies its use and that it accurately reflects the situation or person you are describing.

Common error

While "sleazy" is widely understood, its informal and judgmental tone might be unsuitable for formal or professional writing. In such contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "unethical", "dishonorable", or "of low quality" to maintain a more objective and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sleazy" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something or someone as dishonest, immoral, or of low quality. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in modifying various nouns, such as ""sleazy" tactics" or ""sleazy" politician". According to Ludwig AI, the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sleazy" is a grammatically correct adjective that describes something or someone as dishonest, immoral, or of low quality. As Ludwig AI points out, it's acceptable for use in written English. It’s very commonly found in news and media contexts, though possibly less suitable for formal writing, where alternatives like "unethical" or "dishonorable" might be preferred. When using "sleazy", consider the strong negative connotation and whether it accurately and appropriately reflects the situation you are describing. Common synonyms include "sordid", "seedy", and "squalid", each carrying slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dishonorable

Directly points out the lack of moral integrity or ethical standards.

sordid

Emphasizes the moral degradation and repulsiveness.

unethical

Highlights the violation of moral principles and accepted codes of conduct.

seedy

Focuses on the rundown and disreputable nature of a place or situation.

shady

Implies a lack of transparency or honesty, suggesting something is suspicious or illegal.

squalid

Highlights the filthy and degraded condition, often due to poverty or neglect.

base

Indicates a lack of high moral principles and ignoble character.

cheap

Indicates low quality or lack of value, often associated with unethical practices.

vulgar

Stresses the lack of refinement or good taste.

low quality

Focuses on the inferior or inadequate standards of something.

FAQs

How can I use "sleazy" in a sentence?

You can use "sleazy" to describe someone or something that is dishonest, immoral, or of low quality. For example: "The politician's campaign was marked by "sleazy" tactics."

What are some synonyms for "sleazy"?

Some synonyms for "sleazy" include "sordid", "seedy", "squalid", "cheap", and "dishonorable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "sleazy" appropriate for formal writing?

While "sleazy" is widely understood, it tends to be informal and judgmental. In formal writing, you might consider using alternatives like "unethical", "dishonorable", or "of low quality" to maintain a more objective tone.

What's the difference between "sleazy" and "seedy"?

"Sleazy" generally refers to something dishonest or immoral, while "seedy" typically describes something rundown, disreputable, or in poor condition. A "sleazy" business deal might involve unethical practices, while a "seedy" motel is likely run-down and poorly maintained.