sketchy

adjective \ ˈske-chē \

Updated on: 10 Dec 2017

Definition of sketchy

sketchier; sketchiest

1 : of the nature of a sketch : roughly outlined

2 : wanting in completeness, clearness, or substance : slight, superficial

the details are sketchy

3 : questionable, iffy

got into a sketchy situation

a sketchy character

—

sketchily

play \ˈske-chə-lē\ adverb

—

sketchiness

play \ˈske-chē-nəs\ noun

See sketchy defined for English-language learners

See sketchy defined for kids

Examples of sketchy in a Sentence

The details about the accident are still a little sketchy.
I have only a sketchy idea of how it works.

Recent Examples of sketchy from the Web

Even the details of the killing are sketchy, Lorenzi said.

— cleve r. wootson jr., chicagotribune.com, "Authorities: Gold miners at a bar bragged about slaughtering members of a reclusive Brazilian tribe," 11 Sep. 2017
While sketchy at times, the Saints offense is still the Saints offense.

— larry holder, NOLA.com, "NFC South still a three-team race despite Saints' hot streak," 1 Nov. 2017
Details of her health have been sketchy, but she has been spotted in public, including at Clive Davis’ Grammy party earlier this year.

— dan deluca, Philly.com, "St. Vincent gave us one of the best albums of the year. Should we thank Joni Mitchell for that?," 20 Oct. 2017
No matter how sketchy or unfinished a work might appear at first, further examination shows that every inch of its surface was considered or repeatedly refined.

— dmitry samarov, Chicago Reader, "Nicolas Carone, a revered teacher, was also a brilliant painter," 18 Oct. 2017
While scientists have used animals, like mice, to study emotional problems for decades, the relevance of those models to human experience is sketchy at best.

— heather murphy, New York Times, "Fish Depression Is Not a Joke," 16 Oct. 2017
Sam has attitude, wit, and slick moves with a knife, but her motives are sketchy and Ash knows it.

— Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Paging Through Mysteries: Haunting murders and settling 'Old Scores'," 12 Oct. 2017
Still, when compared to Stone’s focus and poise, Carell’s work looks sketchy and ridiculous.

— richard lawson, vanityfair.com, "Battle of the Sexes," 2 Sep. 2017
It was meant to be a brief excursion, just a few days arranged by a sketchy tour company based in China.

— author: mary sanchez, Alaska Dispatch News, "Kim wins if we politicize Otto Warmbier’s plight," 18 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sketchy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of sketchy

1805

SKETCHY Defined for English Language Learners

sketchy

adjective

Definition of sketchy for English Language Learners

: not complete or clear
: done quickly without many details
: likely to be bad or dangerous

SKETCHY Defined for Kids

sketchy

adjective \ ˈske-chē \

Definition of sketchy for Students

sketchier; sketchiest

1 : roughly outlined

2 : lacking completeness or clearness

a sketchy description

Learn More about sketchy

See words that rhyme with sketchy Spanish Central: Translation of sketchy Nglish: Translation of sketchy for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of sketchy for Arabic speakers

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sketchy

Definition of sketchy

sketchily

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Examples of sketchy in a Sentence

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SKETCHY Defined for English Language Learners

sketchy

Definition of sketchy for English Language Learners

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sketchy

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SKETCHY Defined for English Language Learners

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