# sleazy

/ˈsɫizi/ (US) · /slˈiːzi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

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

## Definition

describing a person or place that feels dishonest, dirty, or immoral. You use this when something feels cheap and untrustworthy.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after 'feel' or 'seem', and attributively before nouns like 'politician', 'bar', or 'deal'.

---

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.