adjective
dumpy
Shabby and unattractive in appearance.
They rented a dumpy little office above the shop.
Etymology
In this sense, dumpy associates an unattractive place or object with a dump. The ending expresses a quality: having the shabby character suggested by that comparison.
More examples
- The motel looked dumpy from the road.
- A fresh coat of paint improved the dumpy building.
- She transformed the dumpy room into a pleasant studio.
Forms
dumpy · dumpier · dumpiest
Similar words
- shabby
- Shabby suggests wear and neglect; dumpy adds an overall impression of unattractiveness.
- dingy
- Dingy means dull or dirty-looking; dumpy can concern a place’s general unimpressive appearance.