dowdy Hear it!

dowdy Definition

dowdy (do̵u′dē)

adjective -·dier, -·di·est

not neat or stylish in dress or appearance; shabby

Etymology: < ME doude, an unattractive woman + -y

noun pl. -·dies

  1. a dowdy woman
  2. ☆ pandowdy

dowdy Related Forms

dow′·dily adverb dow′·di·ness noun

dowdy Synonyms

dowdy

modif.

frumpy, unfashionable, drab, untidy, slovenly, frowzy, tacky, shabby, homely, plain, old-fashioned, unkempt, baggy, unstylish, tasteless; see also dull 2, old-fashioned.

dowdy Usage Examples

Used with adjective complement

  • look: She's also dressed and wigged to look as dowdy as possible.
  • seem: The Marine County Holiday Inn seems rather dowdy, perhaps in comparison to the rest of the place.

Modifying Another Word

rather: The Marine County Holiday Inn seems rather dowdy, perhaps in comparison to the rest of the place.

Modifies a noun

  • image: Brighton council has brushed aside this dowdy image for its new central library.
  • woman: Pregnant Gone are the days of dowdy pregnant women.