grubby

/ˈɡrʌbi/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡrʌbi/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgrə-bē/ (ame, mw)

grubby — adjective

  • grubbypositive
  • grubbiercomparative
  • grubbiestsuperlative

1. covered with unwanted dirt, grease, or sticky marks, often after physical work w

1.形容詞B2
釋義

covered with unwanted dirt, grease, or sticky marks, often after physical work when regular washing has been neglected

例句

The children came home with grubby hands after playing in the garden all afternoon.

collocation: grubby hands / grubby clothes

Vinícius wiped his grubby fingers on his jeans before shaking hands with his boss.

attributive use: grubby + noun (fingers)

同義詞
  • dirty

    the most common word; less specific than 'grubby', which suggests sticky or ingrained dirt

  • grimy

    covered with a layer of fine, dark dirt; often used for surfaces and windows

  • mucky

    informal, mainly British; suggests wet, muddy dirt

反義詞
  • clean

    free from dirt; neutral and common

  • spotless

    completely clean; suggests care and regular washing

文法句型

grubby + noun

be + grubby

用法筆記

Describes physical dirt that looks unpleasant and is somewhat sticky or ingrained — not just light surface dust. Can be used for people (children, workers) and objects (clothes, windows, tools).

常見錯誤

❌I need to wash my grubby car' (when it is only slightly dusty).
✅I need to wash my dirty car.
💡'grubby' suggests ingrained, sticky dirt, not just light surface dust.
❌The grubby waiter brought our food.' (talking about a person's character).
✅The waiter's grubby apron had not been washed all week.
💡'grubby' on a person refers to physical dirt on clothing or skin, not their personality.

2. involving dishonest, unfair, or morally questionable methods — used especially a

2.形容詞C1
釋義

involving dishonest, unfair, or morally questionable methods — used especially about political deals, business practices, or personal behaviour that you strongly disapprove of

例句

The mayor's grubby deal with a construction company was exposed by local journalists.

collocation: grubby deal

Christopher refused to join a grubby political scheme designed to silence critics.

attributive use: grubby + noun (political scheme)

同義詞
  • sordid

    stronger and more literary; focuses on deep moral corruption and shame

  • shady

    informal; suggests actions that are legally borderline rather than openly corrupt

  • underhand

    focuses on secrecy and deception; describes methods that are sneaky

反義詞
  • honourable

    following moral principles; the opposite of morally contemptible behaviour

  • clean

    used figuratively in 'a clean deal' or 'a clean campaign', meaning fair and honest

文法句型

grubby + noun (deal, tactics, politics, behaviour)

be + grubby

用法筆記

Strongly disapproving. Used for ongoing patterns of behaviour or specific deals and methods that the speaker finds contemptible. Less common than 'dirty' in this figurative sense, but carries a stronger tone of moral disgust. Never used for casual or minor dishonesty.

常見錯誤

❌He told a grubby lie to his mother.
✅He told a dirty lie to his mother.
💡'grubby' describes whole dealings or methods, not a single dishonest action like telling a lie.
❌The grubby man cheated at cards.
✅The man used grubby tactics to cheat at cards.
💡'grubby' usually modifies an action or method, not a person directly.