scrappy
1 Americanadjective
adjective
-
inclined to fight, argue, or compete; aggressive: Having to defend itself against a giant corporation gave the new company a reputation as a scrappy contender.
Badgers are such scrappy fighters that coyotes will team up with them out of fear of being eaten by them.
Having to defend itself against a giant corporation gave the new company a reputation as a scrappy contender.
-
having or showing spirit and determination, especially in spite of obstacles.
This era formed dozens of legends—strong-willed, scrappy survivors whose faith in their cause was unshakable.
adjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- scrappily adverb
- scrappiness noun
Etymology
Origin of scrappy1
First recorded in 1830–40; scrap 1 + -y 1
Origin of scrappy2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Serrano started strongly with sharp body work and accurate left hands from her southpaw stance, before the contest developed into a scrappier affair than expected.
From BBC
The 38-year-old Englishman extended that run to 17 with some clinical finishing in the first three sets against Clayton, who took a scrappy fourth to reduce his deficit.
From BBC
Against Villa, the pair put in another solid display in a goalless first half before Brazilian Gabriel started the goal-fest, scoring a scrappy goal three minutes after the restart.
From BBC
“Startups have to be scrappy and take advantage of these opportunities,” said Darrah, who has not invested in Brimstone.
The things we tend to dismiss as scrappy, unfashionable or beneath notice often have more depth, more pleasure and more staying power than we give them credit for.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
