Sketchiness

Sketchiness refers to the quality or state of being uncertain, unreliable, or lacking in detail or clarity. It often implies a sense of doubt, suspicion, or incompleteness, whether applied to information, events, plans, or even people. sketchiness can stem from a lack of thoroughness, a deliberate evasion of facts, or the presence of ambiguous elements. The level of sketchiness can range from minor ambiguity to a complete lack of trustworthiness, influencing one's perception and assessment of a situation or entity. It commonly suggests a need for further investigation or caution, urging the individual to delve deeper and seek more concrete evidence or confirmation before taking action or forming an opinion. It creates a feeling that something isn't quite right and can lead to suspicion and distrust.

Sketchiness meaning with examples

• The witness's testimony had a certain sketchiness to it. Parts of the story seemed vague, and the details were inconsistent, raising serious doubts about their credibility. The lack of specifics surrounding the alleged events caused the detectives to become wary of trusting this individual's account. They decided to dig deeper, questioning the witnesses story from every conceivable angle, and were ultimately able to determine that a crime had not occurred.
• The construction plan's sketchiness worried the investors. It lacked detailed blueprints, cost breakdowns, and timelines, which made it impossible to assess the project's feasibility and risk levels. The vague estimates and uncertain outcomes made the project difficult to fund because there was too much risk. Given the circumstances, they decided to withdraw their support and the project was cancelled.
• The website's sketchiness was immediately apparent. The low-quality design, the lack of contact information, and the unusual payment methods gave the impression it wasn't a legitimate business. The visitors were rightly hesitant to provide personal information or make any purchases, as the red flags were immediately noticeable. As a consequence, the site got a reputation for being unreliable.
• The details of the proposed deal were filled with sketchiness. The sudden, unexpected changes in terms and the obscure language used suggested there was something being hidden. The lack of transparency triggered their suspicion, as the shady dealings were not a positive trait. Their distrust led them to reconsider the agreement, and eventually they backed away to protect their interests.