sleazy

/ˈsliːzi/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsliːzi/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈslē-zē also ˈslā-/ (ame, mw)

sleazy — adjective

  • sleazypositive
  • sleaziercomparative
  • sleaziestsuperlative

1. describing a person, place, or situation that feels morally low, dishonest, chea

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describing a person, place, or situation that feels morally low, dishonest, cheap, or unpleasantly connected with sex.

例句

The reporter refused to write sleazy stories about celebrities just to sell more newspapers.

collocation: sleazy stories / sleazy deal / sleazy district

Mei-Lin's uncle warned her never to walk alone through the sleazy district near the old train station.

同義詞
  • seedy

    similar in describing a run-down, morally questionable place, but 'seedy' focuses more on decay and dirt than on sexual cheapness.

  • sordid

    more formal and serious than 'sleazy'; emphasises a shameful, immoral quality in someone's private life or affairs.

  • shady

    broader and milder; describes anything dishonest or suspicious without the strong sexual or cheap connotation of 'sleazy'.

反義詞
  • respectable

    describes a person or place that is socially acceptable and has good moral standing.

  • decent

    describes behaviour or places that are proper, honest, and morally upright, the opposite of sleazy behaviour.

用法筆記

This is the most common sense of the word. It is often used to describe places (bars, hotels, neighbourhoods), people (politicians, journalists), or behaviour (jokes, comments) that feel cheap, dishonest, or morally shady. Stronger in tone than 'shady' or 'dodgy'.

常見錯誤

❌That shirt looks sleazy on you' (when meaning poor quality).
✅That shirt looks sleazy
💡the fabric is too thin.' — For clothing quality, sense 2 is about flimsy material; sense 1 is about moral degradation.

2. describes cloth or material that is too thin, loosely woven, or cheaply put toge

2.形容詞C1
釋義

describes cloth or material that is too thin, loosely woven, or cheaply put together, so it does not feel strong and falls apart quickly.

例句

Boris returned the jacket because the sleazy lining tore after he wore it only twice.

collocation: sleazy lining / sleazy fabric / sleazy curtains

The hotel curtains were made of sleazy fabric that let in too much morning light.

同義詞
  • flimsy

    more common and general; describes anything weak or easily broken, not only fabric.

  • cheap

    broader in meaning; can describe low price or low quality, while 'sleazy' specifically suggests thin, loosely woven material.

  • shoddy

    focuses on poor workmanship or materials in general, not just fabric texture.

反義詞
  • sturdy

    describes fabric or material that is strong, thick, and well-made.

  • durable

    describes material that lasts a long time without tearing or wearing out.

用法筆記

This literal sense is much less common than sense 1 and is mainly used of textiles, clothing, or household fabrics. In modern speech, 'flimsy' or 'cheap' are more frequent alternatives.