Shabbiness - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Shabbiness refers to a worn-out or untidy appearance, often due to neglect or age. It describes something that looks old, faded, or poorly maintained, suggesting a lack of care or quality.
Definition:
The quality of being worn, dirty, or in poor condition; lack of neatness or elegance.
Synonyms:
dilapidation, shoddiness, seediness, grubbiness
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
elegance, neatness
Common Collocations:
shabbiness of clothes, air of shabbiness, general shabbiness, noticeable shabbiness
Derivatives:
shabby, shabbily
Usage Tips:
Use "shabbiness" to describe physical decay or moral neglect, often implying disapproval or pity.
Common Phrases:
down-at-heel shabbiness, genteel shabbiness, faded shabbiness
Etymology:
Derived from "shabby," originating in the late 17th century, possibly from "shab," meaning scab or itch.
Examples:
- 1. The hotel's shabbiness disappointed the guests.
- 2. His suit had an air of shabbiness after years of wear.
- 3. She ignored the room's shabbiness and focused on its charm.
- 4. The café’s shabbiness gave it a nostalgic feel.