tawdry
word
Definition
Something that is cheap, flashy, and meant to look attractive, but is actually of low quality and in bad taste.
Usage & Nuances
Usually describes clothes, jewelry, or decorations. It's always negative, implying cheapness and lack of good taste. Don't use for things that are only inexpensive but not flashy. "Gaudy" and "flashy" are close in meaning, but "tawdry" always suggests poor quality.
Example Sentences
She wore a tawdry necklace to the party.
basic
The shop was full of tawdry decorations for the holidays.
basic
He bought some tawdry souvenirs at the tourist shop.
basic
Her room was filled with tawdry posters and plastic flowers.
natural
I’m not a fan of tawdry reality TV shows with a lot of drama.
natural
The whole event felt a bit tawdry, like they were trying too hard to impress.
natural