scruffy

adjective

ˈskrə-fē How to pronounce scruffy (audio)
scruffier; scruffiest
Synonyms of scruffynext
: unkempt, slovenly, shaggy
a scruffy neighborhood
a scruffy beard
scruffily
ˈskrə-fə-lē How to pronounce scruffy (audio)
adverb
scruffiness
ˈskrə-fē-nəs How to pronounce scruffy (audio)
noun

Synonyms of scruffy

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Examples of scruffy in a Sentence

The neighborhood is full of dilapidated houses with scruffy backyards. dressed in scruffy old clothes to clean out the garage
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.
Reiner, with his head shaved and a scruffy goatee, wore a yellow prison top with blue prison pants. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026 The burly bureaucrat in dark slacks and a navy sweater has a scruffy beard and the frazzled look of an anonymous factotum thrust into the limelight. — Joshua Hunt, Vanity Fair, 17 June 2026 At Dominguez High, the grounds are scruffy, wiring and plumbing are outdated, the gymnasium air conditioning hasn’t worked in years. — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026 The casual visit is scruffy hospitality par excellence. — Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for scruffy

Word History

Etymology

scruff, metathetic variant of scurf (also with senses "something worthless or contemptible, contemptible person") + -y entry 1

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scruffy was in 1871

Rhymes for scruffy

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Browse Nearby Words

scruffman
scruffy
scrum
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

scruffy

adjective
ˈskrəf-ē How to pronounce scruffy (audio)
scruffier; scruffiest
: dirty or shabby in appearance
a scruffy beard

More from Merriam-Webster on scruffy

Nglish: Translation of scruffy for Spanish Speakers

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