Word
sordid
Phoneticssor·did, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɔɹdəd/
UK/sˈɔːdɪd/
Definition
adj. describing something that is very dirty, unpleasant, or morally bad. You use this to talk about situations that are messy or involve dishonest behavior.
adj. characterised by extreme dirtiness, moral corruption, or a lack of refinement. Often used to describe environments or behaviors that are socially unacceptable or physically unclean.
Examples
“The detective found sordid evidence in the basement.”
“The investigation revealed a sordid history of corruption within the local government.”
“The novel explores the sordid underbelly of the city, where the pursuit of wealth often leads to the degradation of personal integrity and public health.”
Examples
simple
“The detective found sordid evidence in the basement.”
contextual
“The investigation revealed a sordid history of corruption within the local government.”
complex
“The novel explores the sordid underbelly of the city, where the pursuit of wealth often leads to the degradation of personal integrity and public health.”
Etymology
From Middle English sordide, from Latin sordidus. Alternatively from French sordide.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/sordid