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Shoddy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shoddy

[ˈʃɒdi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

poor quality

Of poor quality; characterized by inferior workmanship, materials, or performance. Shoddy products often fall apart quickly.

Synonyms

inferior, low-quality, substandard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shoddy

Use this word when referring to something that is poorly made or has low quality, often implying deception or a lack of scruples.

  • The painter did a shoddy job on the house; The furniture fell apart because of its shoddy construction
inferior

This word is used to describe something that is of lower quality compared to something else, often in a comparative sense.

  • The new product is inferior to the previous model; His skills are considered inferior to his teammate's
substandard

This word is used to describe something that does not meet the usual or required standards, often implying that it is below acceptable levels.

  • The hotel room was substandard for the price charged; The substandard performance led to several complaints
low-quality

Use this phrase when describing something that is generally not good or up to standard, often in a straightforward manner.

  • The movie had low-quality special effects; They sell low-quality electronics at that store

Examples of usage

  • The shoddy construction of the building led to its collapse.
  • The company received complaints about the shoddy craftsmanship of their furniture.
Context #2 | Noun

deceptive business practices

Dishonest or unethical business practices, especially in relation to selling goods or services. Shoddy can also refer to the act of deceiving customers with false advertising or misleading information.

Synonyms

deceptive, dodgy, unethical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shoddy

Used when referring to something of poor quality or workmanship; could apply to items, services, or work that is done carelessly.

  • The furniture we bought was shoddy and fell apart within a week.
  • His shoddy work on the project led to numerous complaints.
deceptive

Used when something is misleading or giving a false impression, intending to mislead others.

  • Her friendly smile was deceptive, hiding her true intentions.
  • The advertisement was deceptive, making the product seem better than it actually was.
unethical

Used when describing behavior that is morally wrong or goes against professional standards; often used in more formal or professional contexts.

  • The company's unethical practices led to a major scandal.
  • It is unethical for a doctor to refuse treatment to a patient in need.
dodgy

Often used in British English to describe something or someone that is potentially dishonest, unreliable, or of low quality; carries a slightly informal tone.

  • That used car dealership has a dodgy reputation.
  • The website looked dodgy, so I didn't enter my credit card information.

Examples of usage

  • The company was fined for engaging in shoddy business practices.
  • Consumers should be cautious of shoddy sales tactics.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural References

  • In literature, 'shoddy' often describes the careless workmanship in novels, emphasizing themes of neglect and loss.
  • Movies sometimes depict 'shoddy' as a metaphor for poorly constructed relationships or moral failings.

Economics

  • Shoddy goods can impact market value; customers often seek quality, driving down demand for poorly made products.
  • The rise of 'shoddy' merchandise contributed to the establishment of consumer protection laws in many countries.

Psychology

  • 'Shoddy' work can affect self-esteem, as individuals may feel inadequate when producing lower-quality results.
  • The perception of shoddy craftsmanship can lead to distrust in brands and businesses, influencing consumer choices.

History

  • During the Industrial Revolution, many companies prioritizing profit over quality produced 'shoddy' goods, sparking public outrage.
  • The term gained notoriety in the Victorian era, where inflated claims about product quality often led to disappointment.

Origin of 'shoddy'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'shoddy' originally referred to a type of cheap wool made from recycled materials in the 19th century.
  • The word comes from the British slang term for a type of fabric that was made for low-quality garments.

The word 'shoddy' originated in the mid-19th century, derived from the term 'shoddy cloth' which referred to a fabric made from recycled or low-quality materials. Over time, the word evolved to also describe anything of inferior quality or deceptive nature. The negative connotations associated with 'shoddy' have persisted throughout its history.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,783, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.