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Synonyms

scruffy

American  
[skruhf-ee] / ˈskrʌf i /

adjective

scruffier, scruffiest

  1. untidy; shabby.

scruffy British  
/ ˈskrʌfɪ /

adjective

  1. unkempt or shabby

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of scruffy

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

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.

The first goal Salah scored was a scruffy, bundled effort from on the goalline in a 3-3 draw at Watford on the opening day of his first season.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

In the first, Lopez, wearing a crew-neck shirt, glasses and a scruffy beard, stands in his garage in front of a black Lamborghini.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

"It was pretty tough this morning. Feel like I hit some pretty scruffy golf shots, which in some ways is to be expected."

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

After all, Robertson was the scruffy little fat lad who conquered all of Europe twice.

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2025

Soon we stop at a scruffy building, to bathe and put on dry clothing.

From "Beast Rider" by Tony Johnston & María Elena Fontanot de Rhoads

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.