Shabby

Shabby describes something in poor condition due to age or wear, often appearing worn, neglected, or in a state of disrepair. It can refer to physical objects like clothes or buildings, but also to character traits or behaviors, suggesting a lack of moral standards or dignity. It implies a degree of degradation or neglect, hinting at a former, perhaps better, state. Often associated with a sense of sadness, poverty, or a lack of care, the word evokes a feeling of being past its prime and in need of renewal or improvement. A shabby appearance can reflect a lack of resources, pride, or attention to detail.

Shabby meaning with examples

• The old cottage, with its peeling paint and crumbling brickwork, had a distinctly shabby appearance. It was clear that years of neglect had taken their toll. Despite its dilapidated condition, it held a certain charm, a whisper of a time when it might have been a beautiful home. A large family used to occupy the shabby home but it was abandoned long ago.
• He arrived at the interview in a shabby suit, his tie askew and shoes scuffed. His appearance didn't inspire confidence, and it suggested a lack of professionalism. The hiring manager was not sure if he even cared. His lack of care for his appearance seemed to reflect a broader indifference to the opportunity.
• The furniture in the old apartment was a mismatched collection of secondhand pieces, a testament to a lifetime of hard living and limited means. The sofas were threadbare, and the tables were scarred with use, a constant reminder of how shabby their apartment felt. Still, it felt like home because that is where his childhood was.
• After years of constant use and neglect, the garden shed was in a sorry state, the wood rotting in places and the roof leaking. Inside was a shabby workbench where he used to build toys for his children. The whole structure looked neglected and a home for unwanted critters, a clear sign of a life that had seen better days.
• Their efforts at organizing the event seemed shabby, with last-minute changes and a lack of attention to detail that left many attendees dissatisfied. It revealed a lack of planning and preparation, ultimately damaging the credibility and reputation of the organizers. It would have been better to cancel it completely than have something so shabby.