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shoddy

adjective

/ˈʃɒd i/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of shoddy

Of poor quality or workmanship, lacking in durability, precision, or attention to detail.
"The shoddy repairs to the roof caused leaks during heavy rain."

Detailed meaning of shoddy

When something is deemed shoddy, it implies that it has been hastily or carelessly made or executed, resulting in a substandard or inferior product. It suggests a lack of craftsmanship, reliability, or integrity. Whether referring to a product, service, or work performance, "shoddy" conveys a sense of disappointment or dissatisfaction due to its low quality, cheap materials, or overall lack of excellence. It is often associated with corners being cut, shortcuts taken, or a disregard for proper standards. The term "shoddy" is used to highlight a lack of effort or commitment to producing something of value, leaving the recipient feeling let down or deceived.

Example sentences containing shoddy

1. I was disappointed with the shoddy craftsmanship of the furniture I purchased.
2. The contractor's work was shoddy, and we had to hire someone else to fix it.
3. The company received negative reviews for their shoddy customer service.
4. The product's packaging was shoddy, resulting in damage during shipping.
5. She returned the dress to the store due to its shoddy stitching and poor fit.
6. The website's interface was outdated and had shoddy navigation.

History and etymology of shoddy

The adjective 'shoddy' has a fascinating etymology that can be traced back to the mid-19th century in England. It originated during a time when the textile industry was booming, and it was common for fabric merchants to blend low-quality wool with better materials to save costs. This inferior mixture was known as 'shoddy,' derived from the name of a town in West Yorkshire, England, called 'Shoddy Town,' which became synonymous with the production of such subpar textiles. Over time, 'shoddy' extended its meaning beyond textiles to describe anything of poor quality or workmanship, lacking durability, precision, or attention to detail. The word has since become a poignant descriptor for goods or products that fail to meet the expected standards of quality and craftsmanship.

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Further usage examples of shoddy

1. He was fired for his shoddy performance and lack of attention to detail.
2. The book received criticism for its shoddy editing and numerous typos.
3. The company's reputation suffered due to their shoddy manufacturing practices.
4. The shoddy wiring in the house posed a fire hazard.
5. We refused to pay for the shoddy installation of the new windows.
6. The shoddy craftsmanship of the furniture was evident in its wobbly legs.
7. He received a refund for the shoddy electronic device that malfunctioned.
8. The cheap paint job resulted in a shoddy appearance for the car.
9. The shoddy construction of the bridge raised safety concerns.
10. The shoddy packaging led to damaged goods during shipping.
11. Their shoddy excuses for being late were hardly believable.
12. She was disappointed with the shoddy customer service at the store.
13. The shoddy repair work on the roof caused persistent leaks.
14. His shoddy performance in the game cost the team the championship.
15. The shoddy materials used in the project led to frequent repairs.
16. The shoddy writing in the novel made it difficult to follow.
17. The shoddy presentation lacked clarity and professionalism.
18. The shoddy stitching on the shirt unraveled after a single wash.
19. The shoddy workmanship on the antique clock affected its value.
20. Their shoddy excuses for not completing the assignment were unacceptable.
21. The shoddy audio quality of the recording made it hard to understand.
22. The shoddy road repairs caused numerous potholes to reappear.
23. The shoddy construction of the house led to constant issues.
24. The shoddy design of the website made navigation frustrating.
25. The shoddy paint job on the house required a complete redo.