sleazy
adj.adj. describing a person or place that feels dishonest, dirty, or immoral. You use this when something feels cheap and untrustworthy.
adj. characterised by a corrupt, immoral, or sordid quality. Often describes individuals or environments that lack integrity or cleanliness, particularly in a sexual or financial context.
The politician was involved in a sleazy deal.
The reporter refused to enter the sleazy bar, suspecting it was a front for illegal gambling.
The documentary exposes the sleazy underbelly of the industry, where exploitation is common and ethical standards are routinely ignored for profit.
Origin obscure. Possibly a corruption of Silesia, through a word meaning Silesian cloth. Silesia was formerly the most important location of Germany’s weaving industry.
Often used predicatively after 'feel' or 'seem', and attributively before nouns like 'politician', 'bar', or 'deal'.