different between dowdiness vs dowdy

English

dowdy +? -ness

dowdiness (usually uncountable, plural dowdinesses)

Late 16th century. Origin uncertain: probably literally “little poorly dressed woman,” formed from doue, “poorly dressed woman.”

Possibly also related to the Scots dow, meaning to "fade".

dowdy (comparative dowdier, superlative dowdiest)

Plain and unfashionable in style or dress.
Lacking stylishness or neatness; shabby.
- 1891, Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray
  [...she was] a perfect saint amongst women, but so dreadfully dowdy that she reminded one of a badly bound hymn-book.

dowdy (plural dowdies)

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