Word
shady
US/ˈʃeɪdi/
UK/ʃˈeɪdi/
Definitions
01sheltered from the sun
B1 · Intermediate
adj. protected from direct sunlight by trees, buildings, or other objects.
adj. providing or situated in shade; sheltered from direct sunlight.
日本語:日陰の、怪しい※
“We found a shady spot under a large oak tree to have our picnic.”
“The garden features several shady alcoves where delicate ferns can thrive away from the harsh afternoon sun.”
Usage
Often used to describe outdoor locations or paths.
02dishonest or suspicious
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
adj. seeming dishonest, illegal, or untrustworthy.
adj. of questionable honesty or legality; disreputable in character or conduct.
“I decided not to buy the phone because the seller seemed a bit shady.”
“The company was investigated after several shady financial transactions were discovered by the internal auditors.”
Teaching tip
In modern slang, 'throwing shade' is a related idiom meaning to publicly show contempt or disrespect for someone.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03mean or unkind
C1 · Advanced British English · Slang
adj. acting in a way that is mean, rude, or unfair to someone.
adj. characterised by unkindness, spite, or unfair treatment of others.
“It was really shady of him to cancel our plans at the last minute without telling me.”
“The way she excluded her former best friend from the party was considered quite shady by the rest of the group.”
Real-World Examples
“Florida can be a sunny place full of shady people.” Etymology
From shade + -y. Compare Saterland Frisian skaadich, skaddich (“shady”), German schattig (“shady”).
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/shady
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0