Definitions

1. adjective

showy and cheaply attractive, often in a way that is considered to be in poor taste

“The tawdry decorations on the hotel room’s walls made it feel like a tacky tourist trap.”

2. adjective

of poor quality, especially in a way that is considered to be in poor taste

“The tawdry quality of the novel’s writing made it difficult to finish.”

3. verb

to make something showy and cheaply attractive, often in a way that is considered to be in poor taste

“The store’s owner tried to tawdry the old furniture to make it look more appealing to customers.”