dowdy

Dowdy is an English adjective used to describe clothes, attire, or appearance that is unfashionable, dull, or shabby. It can refer to clothing that looks neglected or ill-fitting, or to interiors and decor that seem old-fashioned or unattractive. The term often implies a lack of taste or style rather than overt ugliness.

The precise origin is uncertain. The word dates from Early Modern English and is related to senses of dowd meaning a shabby or ragged person; over time its scope broadened from describing people to describing clothing and appearance.

Dowdy is more common in British English, though found in American writing as well. It is relatively mild compared with harsher terms like frumpy or shabby, but can be insulting if directed at a person. The comparative and superlative forms are dowdier and dowdiest; the noun dowdiness describes the quality.

Dowdy is distinct from frumpy (unfashionable in a specific, often dated style) and shabby (worn or damaged). It can contrast with terms like stylish or chic. In interiors, a dowdy room suggests dated furnishings and colors.