shabbiness
shabbiness — noun
1. the state of looking old, damaged, or untidy because something has been used a l
the state of looking old, damaged, or untidy because something has been used a lot or not taken care of properly
Jabari was sad to see the shabbiness of his childhood home after ten years away.
The shabbiness of the old train station surprised visitors from the city.
collocation: shabbiness of [place/building]
Years of hard winter weather had added to the shabbiness of the wooden beach house.
The shabbiness of the waiting room was clear from the torn chairs and worn carpet.
- dilapidation
more formal; suggests a building that is falling apart rather than merely worn
- grubbiness
focuses on dirtiness or lack of cleanliness rather than worn condition
- tattiness
informal; suggests untidy appearance and poor quality of materials
2. behaviour or treatment that is dishonest, unfair, or shows a lack of respect for
behaviour or treatment that is dishonest, unfair, or shows a lack of respect for someone
Many customers complained about the shabbiness of the company's refund policy.
collocation: shabbiness of [policy/treatment]
Rodrigo could not forgive the shabbiness of how his colleagues had treated him.
The newspaper article described the shabbiness of the official response to the flood victims.
Yara was shocked by the shabbiness of the landlord's refusal to fix the broken heater.
- unfairness
more common and direct; focuses on lack of justice or equality
- meanness
emphasises the deliberately cruel or selfish intent behind the action
- contemptibility
more formal; suggests behaviour deserving of scorn or disgrace
用法筆記
This sense is used when criticising decisions, actions, or treatment that fall below an expected standard of fairness or decency. The subject is typically an institution, policy, or person in a position of power.