sketchy

From sketch +‎ -y.

• IPA^(key): /ˈskɛt͡ʃi/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɛtʃi

sketchy (comparative sketchier, superlative sketchiest)

1. Roughly or hastily laid out; intended for later refinement.

   The first draft included a sketchy design.

2. Not thorough or detailed.
   • 2021 August 11, Paul Bigland, “Where HS2 will meet EWR”, in RAIL, number 937, page 39:

     This is still in the design stage, so details are sketchy.

   • 2024 January 13, Boyd Tonkin, “The culture of copyright creep”, in FT Weekend, Life & Arts, page 9:

     Bellos and Montagu offer a few sketchy alternatives, such as shorter post mortem protections or a curb on corporate rights capture, and call for a “broad debate” on copyright's future.

3. Resembling a comedy sketch, of sketch quality. (Can we add an example for this sense?)
4. (Canada, US, slang) Of questionable or doubtful quality.

   The sketchy repair job did not look like it would hold.

5. (Canada, US, slang, of a person) Suspected of taking part in illicit or dishonorable dealings.

   Because he is so sketchy, I always think that he is up to something.

   • 2019, Colson Whitehead, The Nickel Boys, Fleet, page 201:

     The downside of working with sketchy dudes on building sites and in greasy spoons was that they were sketchy, but they also knew shady things.

6. (Canada, US, slang, of a person) Disturbing or unnerving, often in such a way that others may suspect them of intending physical or sexual harm or harassment.

   Jack is so sketchy. I think he's stalking me.

• dicey
• dodgy
• dubious
• seedy
• shady

• skeezy