# shady

/ˈʃeɪdi/ (US) · /ʃˈeɪdi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shady
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. sheltered from the sun

adjective · CEFR B1

protected from direct sunlight by trees, buildings, or other objects.

For teachers: providing or situated in shade; sheltered from direct sunlight.

- 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.

### 2. dishonest or suspicious

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

seeming dishonest, illegal, or untrustworthy.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. mean or unkind

adjective · CEFR C1 · British English · Slang

acting in a way that is mean, rude, or unfair to someone.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I don't trust him; he seems a bit shady.
- The website looked shady, so I decided not to enter my credit card details.
- The investigation revealed a network of shady offshore accounts used to hide the company's true profits from the tax authorities.

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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.