# shoddy

/ˈʃɑdi/ (US) · /ʃˈɒdi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shoddy
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

made or done very badly and without care. You use this to describe work or products that are poor quality and might break easily.

For teachers: characterised by poor craftsmanship or inferior materials; lacking care or attention to detail. Often used to describe physical goods or professional services that fail to meet basic standards.

## Examples

- The repair work on the roof was shoddy and leaked immediately.
- The investigation revealed that the building collapsed because of shoddy construction and a lack of safety inspections.
- While the marketing campaign was polished and expensive, the product itself was a shoddy imitation of its competitors, leading to a swift decline in consumer trust and brand value.

## Usage notes

- Typically used to modify nouns related to work, construction, or effort.

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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.