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Shabby: meaning, definitions and examples

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shabby

 

[ˈʃæbi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

appearance

Worn or faded from use or wear; showing signs of being worn-out or neglected.

Synonyms

dilapidated, run-down, tattered, threadbare.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shabby

Use 'shabby' to describe something that looks old and worn out due to neglect. It can refer to clothes, places, or even people. It often suggests that something was once nice but has been poorly maintained.

  • He wore a shabby coat that had clearly seen better days.
  • The hotel was in a shabby part of town, with peeling paint and broken windows.
run-down

Refers to buildings, places, or areas that are in poor condition due to neglect. It can also describe someone who is extremely tired or exhausted.

  • She lived in a run-down apartment that desperately needed repairs.
  • He felt run-down after working long hours without a break.
dilapidated

Describing buildings or structures that are in a state of severe disrepair. Typically used for something that is falling apart due to age or neglect.

  • The old house at the end of the street was completely dilapidated.
  • They decided to restore the dilapidated barn rather than tearing it down.
tattered

Typically used to describe clothes or paper that are torn and in bad condition. It suggests that the item has been heavily used or abused.

  • He wore a tattered shirt that was full of holes.
  • She found an old, tattered book at the bottom of the drawer.
threadbare

Used to describe fabric or clothing that is worn down so much that threads are showing. It suggests something very old and overused.

  • His coat was threadbare from years of use.
  • The carpet was threadbare in several spots due to heavy foot traffic.

Examples of usage

  • The shabby old couch had seen better days.
  • His shabby clothes made him stand out in the crowd.
Context #2 | Adjective

quality

Of poor quality or inferior workmanship.

Synonyms

cheap, inferior, shoddy, substandard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shabby

Used to describe something that is in poor condition due to neglect or age. Often used for clothing, buildings, or furniture.

  • The old house looked shabby after years of disrepair
  • His shabby coat was full of holes
substandard

Used to describe something that does not meet acceptable quality or standards. Often used in professional or technical contexts.

  • The substandard safety measures resulted in several accidents
  • The food at the restaurant was substandard and disappointing
inferior

Used to describe something that is lower in quality or value compared to something else. Often used in comparison to a superior quality item.

  • The materials used in this product are inferior to those used in the higher-end model
  • His work was considered inferior by his colleagues
shoddy

Used to describe something poorly made or done, often with a sense of dishonesty or lack of care. It has a negative connotation.

  • The shoddy construction of the building led to many problems
  • Customers complained about the shoddy craftsmanship of the furniture
cheap

Used to describe something that is low in price and often low in quality. It is commonly used for products that are poorly made or not durable.

  • She bought a cheap pair of shoes that fell apart after a week
  • The toy was made from cheap plastic

Examples of usage

  • She complained about the shabby service at the restaurant.
  • The product had a shabby finish and was returned to the store.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originated from the Middle English term 'shabbe,' meaning 'rag' or 'tattered cloth.'
  • It is related to the word 'shab,' which in Old Norse referred to 'a piece of cloth or rag.'
  • The transition to modern usage reflects the decline in the quality of materials over time.

Psychology

  • Dirty or worn-out appearances can affect mood and self-esteem, often leading to feelings of neglect.
  • People often project feelings of poverty or hard times when they see shabby clothing or environments.
  • There’s a psychological effect known as the 'broken windows theory,' suggesting that visible signs of disorder can lead to further breakdown in community standards.

Art

  • In visual arts, the concept of 'shabbiness' challenges traditional standards of beauty, embracing imperfection and wear.
  • Some artists use repurposed shabby materials in their work, highlighting sustainability and creativity.
  • Shabby chic is a popular design style that combines old, often worn decor with modern aesthetics for a cozy feel.

Cultural Representation

  • Literature and films often use 'shabby' settings to evoke a sense of nostalgia or highlight social issues.
  • The portrayal of shabby environments in storytelling can signify struggle or resilience in characters.
  • Fashion trends have embraced 'shabby' styles, where distressed clothing are deliberately designed to evoke a worn look.

Pop Culture

  • Shabby chic, a popular interior design movement, promotes vintage and reused items, celebrated for their character.
  • The term has been humorously used in music and media, often to describe characters who are down on their luck.
  • TV shows often depict shabby homes to emphasize the financial struggles of characters, making their lives relatable.

Translations

Translations of the word "shabby" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desgastado

🇮🇳 जीर्ण-शीर्ण

🇩🇪 schäbig

🇮🇩 lusuh

🇺🇦 потертий

🇵🇱 obdarty

🇯🇵 みすぼらしい (misuborashii)

🇫🇷 miteux

🇪🇸 desgastado

🇹🇷 yıpranmış

🇰🇷 초라한 (chorahan)

🇸🇦 بالي

🇨🇿 ošuntělý

🇸🇰 ošúchaný

🇨🇳 破旧的 (pòjiù de)

🇸🇮 obrabljen

🇮🇸 slitinn

🇰🇿 тозған

🇬🇪 ძველი

🇦🇿 köhnəlmiş

🇲🇽 desgastado

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,801, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.