Sordid

/ˈsɔːrdɪd/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
involving immoral or dishonorable actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt.
The sordid details of the scandal were revealed in the newspaper.
dirty or squalid; filthy.
They lived in a sordid little apartment with peeling paint and broken windows.
meanly avaricious; covetous.
His sordid desire for wealth led him to cheat his friends.

Etymology

From Latin 'sordidus', meaning 'filthy, dirty, base'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

sordid affair
A scandalous or immoral situation.
sordid past
A history of dishonorable or unethical behavior.
sordid details
Unpleasant or shocking specifics about a situation.

Related Words

sordidness
The quality of being sordid.
sordidly
In a sordid manner.

Slang Meanings

Grimy or sleazy.
That place is so sordid; I wouldn't want to go there.
Sketchy or shady.
His sordid connections made everyone suspicious.