Search Dictionary
Definition of dowdiness

dowdiness

/ˈdaʊ.di.nəs/
dow · di · ness
Adverb:dowdily
•
Adjective:dowdy
JUMP TO:

dowdiness Lexical Profile

dowdiness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state or quality of being unfashionable, dull, and unattractive in appearance or dress.

Example

"The designer modernized the boutique's wardrobe to replace its lingering dowdiness with clean, contemporary lines."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dowdiness
Antonyms
View all antonyms for dowdiness

• Rhymes for dowdiness

• Nearby Words

dovetail
dovish
dow
dowdiness
dowdy
dowel
doweling

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 18th century from the adjective 'dowdy' and the suffix '-ness'. The root 'dowd' originated in late Middle English as a derogatory noun for a shabbily dressed or unattractive woman, of uncertain origin.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dowdiness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dowdiness
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.