Frumpy describes someone or something that looks old-fashioned, shapelesslacking a clear or attractive form; not neatly fitted or structured, or a bit unfashionablenot following current trends in clothing or appearance in a dull way. It is often used about clothes, but it can also describe a person’s overall style or appearancethe way a person or thing looks to others.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈfrəmpi/
Easy pronunciation: FRUMP-ee (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frumpy Meaning
Unfashionable and a bit shabby-looking.
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: Looking old-fashioned, untidy, or not stylish in a dull way.
Example: She changed out of her frumpy coat before the party.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- dowdy — Works well for a dull, unfashionable appearance or style.
- frumpish — A close match, but less common and more literary than frumpy.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frumpy Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- dowdy
- frumpish
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using frumpy to mean simply casual or relaxed. It usually suggests a dull, unfashionable, or shapeless look, not just informal clothing.
- Confusing frumpy with frumpish. Frumpish is a related adjective, but it is less common and not always a perfect everyday substitute.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does frumpy mean?
Frumpy means looking old-fashioned, shapeless, or unfashionable in a dull way, especially when describing clothes or appearance.
What are the best synonyms for frumpy?
The best synonyms are dowdy and, in some contexts, frumpish.
Is frumpy always about clothes?
No. It is often used about clothes, but it can also describe a person’s general appearance or style.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
