Tacky definition

tăkē
tackier tackiest
See word origin
Frequency:
Slightly adhesive or gummy to the touch; sticky.
adjective
3
2
In poor taste; inelegant.
adjective
2
1
(colloquial) In poor taste.

That was a tacky thing to say.

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Shabby, dowdy (in one's appearance)
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Sticky.
adjective
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2
Dowdy or shabby, as in dress or appearance.
adjective
1
2
The definition of tacky is something tasteless and overdone, or something that is still sticky.

A really ugly, gaudy and poorly decorated house is an example of something that would be described as tacky.

Sticky paint that isn't yet dry is an example of something that would be described as tacky.

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1
Flimsy, rundown, or in poor repair.
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Lacking style or good taste; tawdry.

Tacky clothes.

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Distasteful or offensive; tasteless.

A tacky remark.

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Of a substance, slightly sticky.

This paint isn't dry yet - it's still a bit tacky.

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(colloquial) Of low quality.

That market stall sells all sorts of tacky ornaments.

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Other Word Forms

Adjective

Base Form:
tacky
Comparative:
tackier
Superlative:
tackiest

Origin of tacky

  • From tackey an inferior horse

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From tack

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Compare techy, tack a spot.

    From Wiktionary

Tacky Sentence Examples

  • Sorry. Seems kinda tacky to bring it up.

  • It appears to be the principal cause of stickiness or the " tacky " condition of some rubbers, which considerably depreciates their commercial value.

  • Some shampoos are self-rinsing, which means they require no water rinse and will dry without feeling tacky, and there are even dry shampoos in powder form that can provide a quick refresher between full baths.

  • It's very important that you make sure the animated image you're using as a background image isn't terribly distracting or tacky, no matter where on your web page you decide to place it or how large it is.

  • Generally, including information about engagement gifts or registries may be considered tacky but it is up to the preferences of the families and their customs whether to include this or not.

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Also Mentioned In

Words near tacky in the Dictionary