What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dingy
Example
The basement was dingy and smelled musty. [dingy: adjective]
Example
The old curtains looked dingy and needed to be replaced. [dingy: adjective]
shabby
Example
The couch was shabby and had holes in the fabric. [shabby: adjective]
Example
The hotel room was shabby and needed a renovation. [shabby: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shabby is more commonly used than dingy in everyday language. Shabby is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dingy is less common and refers specifically to a dirty and uninviting space or object.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dingy and shabby?
Both dingy and shabby are informal words that are suitable for casual conversations. However, shabby can also be used in more formal contexts to describe something that is outdated or in need of repair.
