What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
seedy
Example
The motel we stayed at was quite seedy, with dirty carpets and peeling wallpaper. [seedy: adjective]
Example
He looked seedy and unkempt, like he hadn't slept in days. [seedy: adjective]
Example
The seedy underbelly of the city's nightlife was not a place for the faint of heart. [seedy: noun]
shabby
Example
The couch in the waiting room was shabby and threadbare. [shabby: adjective]
Example
She showed up to the party looking shabby and disheveled. [shabby: adjective]
Example
The hotel was shabby and in need of renovation. [shabby: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shabby is more commonly used than seedy in everyday language. Shabby is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while seedy is less common and has a more specific connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between seedy and shabby?
Both seedy and shabby are informal words that are appropriate for casual conversation or writing. However, seedy may be considered more informal due to its association with slang and criminal activity.
