Shabby means worn out, faded, or in poor condition from long use or lack of care. A shabby coat might have frayed cuffs, missing buttons, and fabric so thin you can almost see through it. Shabby furniture shows its age: the upholstery is torn, the wood is scratched, and the cushions sag.

The word often describes things that were once nice but have deteriorated over time. A shabby neighborhood might have houses with peeling paint, cracked sidewalks, and overgrown yards. There's a difference between something that's simply old and something that's shabby: an antique desk that's been lovingly maintained for a hundred years isn't shabby, but a five-year-old desk covered in stains and missing a drawer is.

The word can also describe unfair or dishonorable treatment. If your friend promises to save you a seat at lunch but doesn't, that's shabby behavior. When someone treats another person in a shabby way, they're being unkind, inconsiderate, or not living up to their promises. This usage suggests that the behavior is beneath what you'd expect from someone decent.

Sometimes you'll hear the phrase shabby chic, which describes a decorating style that intentionally uses worn, vintage items to create a cozy, lived-in feeling. But without that chic part, shabby just means worn out and neglected.