adj
leery
LEER-ree
adj
1
Cautious or suspicious about something, unwilling to fully trust it.
"I'm leery of investments that promise guaranteed high returns."
"She was leery of the stranger offering free advice."
How to Use Leery
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWary or distrustful, holding back because something feels off.
When to use it
Informal — common in speech, less so in formal writing.
Common pairings
leery of
grow leery
Word Forms
leerier comparative, leeriest superlative
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I'm _____ of investments that promise guaranteed high returns.
Etymology
First recorded in the early 1700s, likely built from "leer" (a sly, sideways look) plus the adjective ending -y.