Meaning

(slang, somewhat vulgar) Produced in an incompetent or desultory manner, or of something lacking in quality or substance; of low rank; incompetent..

Definitions by Sense

1. (slang, somewhat vulgar) Produced in an incompetent or desultory manner, or of something lacking in quality or substance; of low rank; incompetent.
2. (slang, somewhat vulgar, transitive) To perform a task incompletely or carelessly.

Example Sentences

the only abortion she could get even in the city would be a half-ass job by some half-ass doctor who could mess her up for the rest of her life

Near-synonyms: phone in, shortchange, underdo

if you're working for me and I send you to do a job and you half-ass it, that reflects on me. In civilian life, we'd just fire you. Here I can't get rid of you.

Now, we go out there and we half-ass it because we're scared, all we're left with is an excuse. We're always gonna wonder. But, we go out there and we give it absolutely everything… that's heroic.

Word Forms

• more half-ass
• most half-ass
• half-arse
• half-asses
• half-assing
• half-assed

Synonyms for half-ass

Related Words

When Should You Use Half-ass?

Use half-ass when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions