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

Smith's game management and kicking ability would be an obvious fix to some rather scruffy and disjointed play that did not allow England to build any pressure in the first Test.

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They voted for a scruffy guy in a leather jacket promising pain now, gain later.

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During maternity leave for her younger child, Cora meets a scruffily cool husband and father named Sam at a local baby group and feels an immediate attraction.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

Read more on Salon

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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