sketchy

/ˈsketʃi/ (bre, ipa) · [skˈɛtʃi] /ˈsketʃi/ (ame, ipa) · [skˈɛtʃi] /ˈske-chē How to pronounce sketchy (audio)/ (ame, mw)

sketchy — adjective

  • sketchypositive
  • sketchiercomparative
  • sketchiestsuperlative

1. giving only the main points and leaving out many useful details, so it feels rou

1.形容詞C1
釋義

giving only the main points and leaving out many useful details, so it feels rough or incomplete.

例句

Imran gave the team a sketchy report after the site visit.

sketchy report - only the main points

Pim's lecture notes were so sketchy that Pim borrowed Noor's copy.

同義詞
  • vague

    broader; unclear for many reasons, not only because details are missing

  • incomplete

    neutral and direct; focuses on what is missing rather than tone

  • rough

    often suggests an early or unfinished version rather than unclear information

  • superficial

    stronger; suggests the treatment stays at the surface

反義詞
  • detailed

    gives a lot of specific information

  • thorough

    careful and complete in every important part

  • complete

    nothing important has been left out

文法句型

sketchy + noun

be sketchy on + noun

be sketchy about + noun

用法筆記

Common with nouns such as details, report, account, outline, and notes. In predicative use, be sketchy on/about something means a person gives incomplete information rather than sounding suspicious.

常見錯誤

❌The salesman sounded sketchy because his explanation lacked detail.
✅The salesman's explanation sounded sketchy because it lacked detail.
💡Use this sense for information or explanations that are incomplete; use sense 2 when a person or situation seems untrustworthy.

2. seeming unsafe, dishonest, or not trustworthy enough to rely on.

2.形容詞C1
釋義

seeming unsafe, dishonest, or not trustworthy enough to rely on.

例句

The email asked Gabriela to pay through a sketchy website.

sketchy website - not trustworthy

Wei refused the sketchy job offer that promised cash only.

同義詞
  • dodgy

    very close in meaning, but more strongly British in tone

  • shady

    emphasizes secretive or dishonest behavior more directly

  • suspicious

    broader and more neutral; can describe a clue as well as a person or situation

  • iffy

    informal; often stresses uncertainty or risk more than dishonesty

反義詞
  • trustworthy

    deserves confidence and can be relied on

  • safe

    not likely to cause harm or trouble

  • legitimate

    lawful and genuine rather than doubtful

文法句型

sketchy + noun

look/feel/sound + sketchy

用法筆記

Informal. Usually based on warning signs rather than hard proof, and often used for people, places, websites, deals, or plans that feel unsafe or dishonest. Distinguish this from sense 1, which is only about missing detail.

常見錯誤

❌The article was sketchy because it did not explain the science.
✅The website looked sketchy because it asked for card details first.
💡Use this sense for something that feels risky or dishonest; use sense 1 for incomplete information.