Grubby

Grubby describes something covered in dirt, grime, or something generally unkempt and unclean. It suggests a lack of cleanliness and often implies a neglected or worn state. The word evokes a sense of needing a good wash or cleaning, whether applied to physical objects like clothes and surfaces, or metaphorical uses describing unpleasant situations or aspects of life. Grubby connotes a degree of unpleasantness, sometimes even a touch of seediness, especially when associated with physical contact or items often handled.

Grubby meaning with examples

• The children returned from their outdoor adventure, their clothes now Grubby with mud and grass stains after playing in the park. They needed an immediate bath and a change of clothes to get cleaned up after their fun in the mud. Their parents were pleased they were having fun, just not so happy with the additional laundry! After washing their clothes it was like they were new again.
• The old, abandoned house had a Grubby appearance; its windows were smeared, and the paint was peeling. The whole place was surrounded with overgrown weeds, as if they had been left to mother nature for years and were a hazard. No one had cared for it in years. The house was also full of shadows, which gave the house a ghostly appearance as well.
• After handling the tools all day in the workshop, his hands were Grubby with grease and oil. Despite the regular washings with soap, the oil would not come out, as it was deeply ingrained in his skin. He would need to use a stronger cleaning method to thoroughly wash his hands. He would definitely take a long shower once he got home.
• The evidence in the case was presented in a Grubby, disorganized fashion, obscuring the truth. There were so many facts to present to the court that the defense was not sure that they were all being presented correctly. Many key points were overlooked, and the overall point of the case was being lost with the disorganized presentation.
• The restaurant's kitchen was surprisingly Grubby, with food scraps under the tables and unwashed counters, leaving customers disgusted. The health inspection will surely shut the place down. Who wants to eat in a place that's dirty? With such bad hygiene, nobody would want to risk their health by eating there.