Word
sketchy
US/ˈskɛtʃi/
UK/skˈɛtʃi/
Informal
Definition
adj. something that feels unsafe, dishonest, or not quite right. You use this when you don't trust a person or a place.
adj. arousing suspicion or suggesting a lack of safety or honesty. Often used to describe environments or individuals that appear unreliable or potentially dangerous.
Examples
“I didn't stay long because the neighborhood felt a bit sketchy.”
“The website looked sketchy, so I decided not to enter my credit card details.”
“While the initial proposal seemed sound, the lack of transparent financial records made the entire investment opportunity feel incredibly sketchy to the board of directors.”
Examples
simple
“I didn't stay long because the neighborhood felt a bit sketchy.”
contextual
“The website looked sketchy, so I decided not to enter my credit card details.”
complex
“While the initial proposal seemed sound, the lack of transparent financial records made the entire investment opportunity feel incredibly sketchy to the board of directors.”
Usage
Typically follows a linking verb like 'feel', 'look', or 'seem'.
Real-World Examples
“Dr Bill Yates, who has researched motion sickness at the University of Pittsburgh, says the body of research is "pretty sketchy at this point".” Etymology
From sketch + -y. Extension of "brief, imperfect, unfinished" notion.
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
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englishreference.com/q/sketchy