Sketchy: meaning, definitions and examples

When talking about something incomplete, uncertain, or potentially dangerous. Often used informally.

• The details of the plan were sketchy at best.
• That neighborhood seems a bit sketchy at night.

When feeling or causing a feeling of distrust or doubt, often related to someone's actions or intentions.

• His behavior was very suspicious.
• They looked suspiciously at the stranger.

When expressing doubt or skepticism about something’s truth, validity or reliability.

• He gave me a dubious explanation for his absence.
• I'm dubious about the success of this new business model.

When describing something suspicious, potentially illegal or morally questionable. Usually has a negative connotation.

• That guy over there seems pretty shady.
• They were involved in some shady business deals.

When referring to someone or something that cannot be trusted to work or operate consistently or truthfully.

• The internet connection here is really unreliable.
• She proved to be an unreliable witness.

Repeated word.

Indicates something that is not finished, polished, or detailed; often a first draft or an approximation.

• This is just a rough draft of the report, and it needs more work
• The road was rough and difficult to travel on

Used when something is not finished or lacks some parts that are needed for it to be whole or fully functional.

• Her essay was deemed incomplete because it missed the conclusion paragraph
• The puzzle remained incomplete as pieces were missing

Describes something that has been started but is not yet complete or polished.

• The painting remains unfinished as the artist took a break
• Our project is still unfinished due to a lack of resources

Refers to an initial stage or early phase of something, often before it is finalized or thoroughly developed.

• The preliminary results of the study were promising
• We need to conduct a preliminary survey before the main project starts