dirty

Underhanded and unfair

In its most literal use, the adjective dirty suggests the presence of dirt, and the less frequent verb dirty means make dirty.

There are many figurative uses, mostly with the negative connotations of the literal use.

Anything dishonorable, illegal, improper, or immoral can be called dirty.

A dirty little secret is one that is probably damaging to someone’s reputation.

It can also express a sense of distortion or impurity that may or may not be desirable: a dirty color is less vibrant but dirty guitar playing can be a hallmark of certain music.

soiled

stained

Marred by discoloration

tarnishedOxidized and discolored
sulliedMade morally unclean
smudgedBlurred by contact

spotted · filthy · fouled · besmirched · contaminated · defiled · discolored · tainted · blemished · marred

obscene

vulgar

Crude or indecent

crudeUnpolished, raw state
coarseRough in texture
lewdObscenely sexual

profane · obscene · smutty · filthy · raunchy · risqué · bawdy · ribald · indecent · off-color

grime

filth

Foul, accumulated matter

greaseThick oily lubricant
sootCarbon from incomplete burning
stainsDiscolorations on surfaces

smudge · muck · mud · sludge · gunk · crud · grit · residue · scum · grime

immoral

corrupt

Dishonest, open to bribes

unethicalViolating moral standards
dishonestInclined to deceive
depravedMorally corrupt, perverse

sordid · disreputable · unscrupulous · crooked · shady · scandalous · underhanded · sleazy · deceitful · treacherous

earthy

soil

Ground matter for planting

clayMoldable earth for ceramics
loamFertile soil mixture
muddyObscured by silt

dusty · sandy · composted · mulched · sooty · ashen

polluted

contaminated

Made impure by contact

toxicCapable of causing harm
smoggyPolluted and hazy
hazardousLikely to cause injury

industrial · poisoned · tainted · chemical · polluted · waste · sewage · emissions · radioactive · carcinogenic

dirty

stained

vulgar

filth

corrupt

soil

contaminated

dirty

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