requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
given the high-ranking people involved, it will be a nasty job to hammer out a compromise
How does the adjective nasty differ from other similar words?
Some common synonyms of nasty are dirty, filthy, foul, and squalid. While all these words mean "conspicuously unclean or impure," nasty applies to what is actually foul or is repugnant to one expecting freshness, cleanliness, or sweetness; in practice, however, nasty is often weakened to the point of being no more than a synonym of unpleasant or disagreeable. When used figuratively, nasty implies a peculiarly offensive unpleasantness.
it's a nasty job to clean up after a sick cat
had a nasty fall
his answer gave her a nasty shock
a stand-up comedian known for nasty humor
When is dirty a more appropriate choice than nasty?
The words dirty and nasty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dirty emphasizes the presence of dirt more than an emotional reaction to it or, figuratively, stresses meanness or despicableness.
a dirty littered street
don't ask me to do your dirty work
When could filthy be used to replace nasty?
Although the words filthy and nasty have much in common, filthy carries a strong suggestion of offensiveness and typically of gradually accumulated dirt that begrimes and besmears. Figuratively, it can also describe disgusting obscenity.
a stained greasy floor, utterly filthy
filthy street language
When would foul be a good substitute for nasty?
While in some cases nearly identical to nasty, foul implies extreme offensiveness and an accumulation of what is rotten or stinking; it can also describe, for example, loathsome behavior.
a foul-smelling open sewer
a foul story of lust and greed
When might squalid be a better fit than nasty?
In some situations, the words squalid and nasty are roughly equivalent. However, squalid adds to the idea of dirtiness and filth that of slovenly neglect. Distinctively, its figurative use implies sordidness as well as baseness and dirtiness.
squalid slums
engaged in a series of squalid affairs
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nastyThe latest special guest stars Este Haim as the mysterious Hallow's Eve, a villainess who wants to ruin Halloween forever by playing nasty tricks on kids out looking for candy.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
25 Sep. 2026 Since then, Schlittler has bulked up, increased his velocity, cemented himself in Yankees postseason lore, and turned into the nastiest pitcher in a rotation that also features Cole, Max Fried and Carlos Rodón.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
24 Sep. 2026 Shots • Good and nasty cold open with Harkness killing Nesmith to tie up loose ends.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
23 Sep. 2026 There are two nasty-looking scars on Mahomes’ knee as a result of the procedure.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nasty
At first the owner stared at him blankly, then flashed a look of distaste, as if a dirty rodent had brushed his foot.
—
Rachel Heng,
New Yorker,
4 Oct. 2026
Stephens and several teammates then appeared to taunt the Oregon players and celebrate the dirty play rather than show concern for a fellow college athlete who was lying motionless on the field.
—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Oct. 2026
As a young, aspiring writer, Perry yearned for dramatic, painful experiences to give her something to write about.
—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Oct. 2026
The album explores heartbreak, healing, faith and survival while shining a light on some of the most painful chapters of Judd's life, including her complicated relationship with her late mother Naomi Judd and Kelley's struggles.
The public must contend head-on with a collapsing currency and runaway inflation, and to ordinary Iranians, describing the present situation as sustainable would sound almost obscene.
—
Ali Vaez,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Sep. 2026
Current Florida law says a school district can review and remove a book after a complaint has been made that a book is pornographic, obscene or isn’t age appropriate.
Park advocates have long argued that the existing city allocation is inadequate, leaving neighborhoods with decaying recreation centers, deteriorating swimming pools and filthy park bathrooms.
—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Oct. 2026
Raman has promised to speed up housing construction, bring back entertainment industry jobs and improve services in a city known for filthy streets, gridlock and an unresponsive City Hall.
As unpleasant as his job might be at the moment, Harbaugh is ostensibly safe.
—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Oct. 2026
Depriving the plant of light discourages the development of chlorophyll—the green plant pigment responsible for color—and rids the chicory of an unpleasant flavor.
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