sordid

/ˈsɔrdəd/

/ˈsɔdɪd/

Other forms: sordidest

Describe a person's actions as sordid if they are so immoral or unethical that they seem dirty. Think of the worst parts of a bad soap opera!

Sordid comes from the Latin word sordes, "dirt." Something that is filthy or run down such as a neighborhood or someone's living conditions can be called sordid, but it is usually used figuratively to mean immoral or dishonest. If you want to hear the sordid details of someone's actions, it's because they were extremely dishonest or immoral and also because they were supposed to be kept a secret.

Definitions of sordid

1. adjective

   foul and run-down and repulsive
   “sordid shantytowns”

   synonyms: flyblown, squalid

   dirty, soiled, unclean

   soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime
2. adjective

   morally degraded
   synonyms: seamy, seedy, sleazy, squalid

   disreputable

   lacking respectability in character or behavior or appearance
3. adjective

   unethical or dishonest
   “a sordid political campaign”

   synonyms: dirty

   corrupt

   lacking in integrity
4. adjective

   meanly avaricious and mercenary
   “sordid avarice”

   “sordid material interests”

   synonyms:

   acquisitive

   eager to acquire and possess things especially material possessions or ideas