Seedy

/ˈsiːdi/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Squalid; shabby; morally or socially disreputable.

The area was known for its seedy bars and rundown hotels.

Full of seeds; having many seeds.

The watermelon was very seedy, making it difficult to enjoy.

Worn-out or dilapidated in appearance.

He walked by a seedy old bookstore that looked like it hadn't been cleaned in years.

Middle English, from seed + -y

seedy underbelly:

The hidden, often immoral and undesirable aspects of society.

seedy character:

A person with a morally questionable background.

Sketchy or dubious in a way that suggests danger or wrongdoing.

That guy in the corner looks pretty seedy; I wouldn't trust him.

Used to denote something that is low quality or untrustworthy.

I bought this watch at a seedy market; it broke in a week.