shady

UK: /ˈʃeɪdi/ US: /ˈʃeɪdi/ ,(shā′dē)

Inflections of 'shady' (adj):

shadier

adj comparative

shadiest

adj superlative

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

shad•y /ˈʃeɪdi/   adj., -i•er, -i•est. 

1. shaded;
   having or giving shade:
   a shady park.
2. of untrustworthy character:
   a shady deal.

shad•i•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

shad•y  (shā′dē), adj., shad•i•er, shad•i•est. 

1. abounding in shade;
   shaded:
   shady paths.
2. giving shade:
   a shady tree.
3. shadowy;
   indistinct;
   spectral.
4. of dubious character;
   rather disreputable:
   shady dealings.
5. on the shady side of, [Informal.] beyond (the specified age);
   more than:
   on the shady side of 40.

• shade + -y¹ 1570–80

shad′i•ly, adv. 
shad′i•ness, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

shady / ˈʃeɪdɪ/ adjective (shadier, shadiest)

1. full of shade; shaded
2. affording or casting a shade
3. dim, quiet, or concealed
4. dubious or questionable as to honesty or legality

ˈshadily adverb

ˈshadiness noun