# shadowy

/ˈʃædoʊi/ (US) · /ʃˈædəʊi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shadowy
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

full of shadows or dark. You can also use it to describe people or groups that are mysterious and keep their activities secret.

For teachers: characterised by darkness or gloom; lacking clear definition. Often used figuratively to describe individuals or organisations that operate in secrecy or outside of public scrutiny.

## Examples

- A shadowy figure stood at the end of the dark hallway.
- The investigation revealed that a shadowy group of investors had been controlling the company's decisions from behind the scenes.
- The novel is set in the shadowy underworld of 1940s espionage, where loyalties are fluid and every character seems to be hiding a dangerous secret.

## Usage notes

- Often used both literally to describe lighting and figuratively to describe a lack of transparency.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.