ragged

adjective

rag·​ged ˈra-gəd How to pronounce ragged (audio)
Synonyms of raggednext
1
: roughly unkempt
2
: having an irregular edge or outline
3
a
: torn or worn to tatters
b
: worn-out from stress and strain
ran herself ragged
4
: wearing tattered clothes
5
a
: straggly
b
: executed in an irregular or uneven manner
c
of a sound : harsh, dissonant
raggedly adverb
raggedness noun

Synonyms of ragged

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Examples of ragged in a Sentence

a boy in ragged jeans You look a little ragged—did you have a rough week?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This will help avoid ragged grass tips. — Mallory Carra, The Spruce, 11 June 2026 But the work was running him ragged. — John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026 This leaves ragged and bruised leaf tips behind that quickly turn brown and are more susceptible to disease. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 June 2026 Ronaldo was blessed with so much talent, a nose for the goal and a ragged determination to keep himself fit. — Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ragged

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ragged was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing ragged

Browse Nearby Words

ragga
ragged
ragged cup
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Cite this Entry

“Ragged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ragged. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ragged

adjective
rag·​ged ˈrag-əd How to pronounce ragged (audio)
1
: having a rough or uneven edge or outline
ragged cliffs
2
a
: torn or worn to or as if to tatters
a ragged dress
b
: wearing tattered clothes
a ragged child
3
: done in an uneven way
a ragged performance
raggedly adverb
raggedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on ragged

Nglish: Translation of ragged for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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