scruffy

[skruhf-ee]

adjective

scruffier, scruffiest 

1. untidy; shabby.

scruffy

/ ˈskrʌfɪ /

adjective

1. unkempt or shabby

Word History and Origins

Origin of scruffy¹

First recorded in 1650–60; scruff ² + -y ¹

Example Sentences

When we think about the white guys who care, it isn’t scruffy, banged-up dudes like Lee who come to mind.

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And yet “Steve,” sincere in its hardcore concern, believably acted, is too scattered and schematically plotted to fully pull us into the emotional toll and scruffy joys of this work.

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Those clean heels look a bit scruffy now.

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I think this will be very tight and quite a scruffy game but as long as Forest win it, they won't care.

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The area drew a scruffy mix of loggers and dockhands, and Skid Row eventually became shorthand for any part of a city where drunks and vagabonds gathered.

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Related Words

• seedy 
• shabby 
• tacky 
• tattered 
• threadbare 
• unkempt