What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hacky
Example
He came up with a hacky way to fix the broken chair. [hacky: adjective]
Example
I know it's a bit hacky, but it should work for now. [hacky: adjective]
shoddy
Example
The shirt I bought was shoddy and fell apart after one wash. [shoddy: adjective]
Example
The contractor did a shoddy job on the roof and now it leaks. [shoddy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shoddy is more commonly used than hacky in everyday language. Shoddy is a well-established term that is widely recognized, while hacky is a more informal term that may not be familiar to all speakers of English.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between hacky and shoddy?
Shoddy is typically associated with a formal tone, used in professional or academic contexts to criticize poor workmanship or materials. Hacky is more informal and may be used in casual conversation or in creative fields to describe a resourceful or unconventional solution.
