Word
washy
US/ˈwɑʃi/
UK/wˈɒʃi/
Definition
adj. weak and watery, with little color, taste, or strength. You use it for drinks, colors, or ideas that feel pale and thin.
adj. weak, diluted, or lacking in color, flavor, or force; pale and insipid.
Examples
“This tea tastes washy and weak.”
“The soup tastes washy because the cook adds too much water.”
“The afternoon light falls washy and pale through the thin curtains, draining color from the room.”
Examples
simple
“This tea tastes washy and weak.”
contextual
“The soup tastes washy because the cook adds too much water.”
complex
“The afternoon light falls washy and pale through the thin curtains, draining color from the room.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “washy” in context.
Verb
01. dismiss as washy
“The committee dismissed the proposal as washy and unworkable.”
verb + prep + adj
02. find washy
“Many critics found his apology washy and lacking conviction.”
verb + adj
03. look washy
“Without contrast, the watercolours look washy and insipid.”
verb + adj
04. make washy
“Too much water will make washy soup taste even blander.”
verb + adj
05. sound washy
“His promises of reform sound washy and noncommittal.”
verb + adj
06. taste washy
“This decaf tastes washy compared to a proper espresso.”
verb + adj
07. turn washy
“The sky turned washy just before the rain set in.”
verb + adj
08. a cup of washy tea
“He stared into a cup of washy tea and pushed it aside.”
09. a washy shade of blue
“The walls were painted a washy shade of blue.”
10. dismiss the idea as washy
“Voters dismissed the idea as washy and lacking ambition.”
11. pale, washy winter sunlight
“Pale, washy winter sunlight filled the empty gallery.”
12. tastes thin and washy
“This lager tastes thin and washy next to a craft ale.”
Etymology
From wash + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- 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.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL 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: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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