shabbiness

IPA/ˈʃæbinəs/
IPA/ˈʃæbinəs/

shabbiness — 名詞

1. the state of looking old, damaged, or untidy because something has been used a l

1.名詞B2
釋義

破舊

因長期使用或缺乏保養而顯得老舊破爛的狀態

the state of looking old, damaged, or untidy because something has been used a lot or not taken care of properly

例句

Jabari was sad to see the shabbiness of his childhood home after ten years away.

Jabari 在離開十年後看到童年的家變得破舊，心裡很難過。

The shabbiness of the old train station surprised visitors from the city.

這座老舊火車站的破舊程度，讓從城市來的訪客感到驚訝。

collocation: shabbiness of [place/building]

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • neatness

    opposite of untidy or messy appearance

  • freshness

    opposite of worn or old-looking condition

2. behaviour or treatment that is dishonest, unfair, or shows a lack of respect for

2.名詞B2
釋義

不公

不公平、不光彩、不尊重人的行為

behaviour or treatment that is dishonest, unfair, or shows a lack of respect for someone

例句

Many customers complained about the shabbiness of the company's refund policy.

許多顧客抱怨該公司的退款政策有失公允。

collocation: shabbiness of [policy/treatment]

Rodrigo could not forgive the shabbiness of how his colleagues had treated him.

Rodrigo 無法原諒同事們對待他的不公方式。

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • fairness

    opposite of unjust or dishonest treatment

  • honour

    opposite of dishonourable or disgraceful behaviour

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.

常見錯誤

❌She was upset by the shabbiness of the worn sofa.
✅She was upset by the shabbiness of the company's treatment of its workers.
💡The first example uses sense 1 (worn appearance); if you mean unfair behaviour, use sense 2 with an abstract noun like 'treatment' or 'policy'.