Word
crappy
Phoneticscrap·py, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɹæˌpi/
UK/kɹˈæpi/
Definitions
01poor quality
B1 · Intermediate Informal · Vulgar
adj. of very poor quality or badly made.
adj. of inferior quality, poorly constructed, or generally unsatisfactory.
“I bought a crappy umbrella that broke the first time it rained.”
“The contractor used crappy materials to save money, resulting in several structural issues within the first year of the building's completion.”
Usage
Commonly used to describe products, services, or artistic works.
Teaching tip
While common in casual speech, this word is considered mildly vulgar; students should avoid it in professional or academic settings.
Antonyms
02unpleasant situation
B1 · Intermediate Informal · Vulgar
adj. unpleasant, annoying, or making you feel bad.
adj. evoking a sense of unpleasantness, frustration, or general dissatisfaction.
“It was a crappy day at work because the computers kept crashing.”
“After a series of crappy coincidences, the team found themselves stranded at the airport without their luggage or hotel reservations.”
Synonyms
03feeling sick or sad
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal · Vulgar
adj. feeling ill, tired, or unhappy.
adj. experiencing a state of physical malaise or emotional depression.
“I've been feeling really crappy all morning, so I might go home early.”
“She felt crappy for several days after the flu vaccine, though the doctor assured her it was a normal immune response.”
Usage
Often follows the verbs 'feel' or 'look'.
Teaching tip
In American and Canadian English, this is a very common way to describe a minor illness or a bad mood.
Etymology
From crap + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/crappy