Run-down in appearance

Published by Naitik Mehta · March 9, 2026

Stuck on the clue Run-down in appearance from the New York Times Mini for March 9, 2026? We have the correct 5-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?

Clue

Run-down in appearance (5)

Answer

The answer to Run-down in appearance is Seedy (5 letters).

Why does Seedy fit this clue?

This is a direct definition clue where 'Run-down in appearance' points straight to SEEDY, an adjective describing something that looks shabby, worn, or in poor condition. A seedy neighborhood or seedy hotel is one that appears neglected and dilapidated, giving off an air of decay or disrepute. The word likely draws on the image of a plant that has gone to seed, meaning it has passed its prime and looks ragged and spent, which maps neatly onto the idea of something looking run-down.

What does Run-down in appearance mean?

We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.

run-down

adjective

•worn out, deteriorated, or in poor condition

•shabby or dilapidated in appearance

appearance

noun

•the way something looks or seems to others

Where did this clue appear?

This clue appeared as 9-across in the New York Times Mini on March 9, 2026, by Joel Fagliano. See all answers for this puzzle.

NYT Mini — Mar 9, 2026

Get help on the whole puzzle

What does Seedy mean?

adjective

•shabby, worn-out, or disreputable in appearance

•squalid or deteriorated, especially of places or establishments

How to use Seedy in a sentence

Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Seedy.

•“The old motel looked seedy with its peeling paint, broken neon sign, and trash-littered parking lot.”

•“He avoided walking through the seedy part of downtown where drug dealers congregated on street corners.”

•“The detective spent hours investigating the seedy underworld of illegal gambling and loan sharks.”

What are other crossword clues for Seedy?

“Like some run-down motels and everything bagels [3, 4]” (5)

“Like a run-down joint” (5)

“Like many dive bars and bird feeds” (5)

Learn about related clues

All clues from the New York Times Mini, Mar 9, 2026 crossword

The New York Times Mini for March 9, 2026 was published by Joel Fagliano and has 10 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.

Across

1ATalk ___ (boastfully banter) (5)6AWhat has legs, but never walks? (5)7AFrench for "love" (5)8AWhat has a mouth, but never talks? (5)9ARun-down in appearance (5)

Down

1DMilky Way bits (5)2D___ Eisenhower, 1950s first lady (5)3DOverhead (5)4DGiven a crossword hint (5)5DActress Washington of "Scandal" (5)

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Frequently asked questions about Run-down in appearance

What is the answer to Run-down in appearance?: The answer is Seedy (5 letters).
Where did this clue appear?: This clue was last seen in the New York Times Mini on March 9, 2026.
How many letters does the answer to Run-down in appearance have?: The answer has 5 letters: Seedy.

Author

Naitik Mehta

Co-founder

Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.