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Definition of frumpy

frumpy

/ˈfrʌm.pi/
frump · y
Adverb:frumpily
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frumpy Lexical Profile

frumpy Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Dressed in an unattractive, old-fashioned, and loose-fitting way; dowdy and unfashionable (typically used of a woman or her clothes).

Example

"The actress wore a heavy, frumpy cardigan and thick-rimmed glasses to look older for the role."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for frumpy

• Nearby Words

frump
frumpily
frumpish
frumpy
frustrate
frustrated
frustratedly

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived in the 18th century from the noun 'frump' (originally meaning a jeer or a sour-tempered person, later an unfashionable woman), possibly shortened from the obsolete verb 'frumple', meaning to wrinkle or crumple.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Frumpy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/frumpy
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