ragged
adj.describing something that is torn, rough, or has uneven edges. You often use it for old clothes or someone who looks very tired and messy.
adj.having a rough, irregular, or uneven surface or edge; often describes cloth that is torn or frayed. When applied to people, it suggests a state of exhaustion or a neglected appearance.
“He wore a ragged old coat with holes in the sleeves.”
“The hikers looked ragged after spending three days lost in the woods without proper supplies.”
“The coastline was defined by ragged cliffs that dropped sharply into the churning Atlantic, their edges worn down by centuries of relentless salt spray and wind.”
Often used attributively before a noun; can be used figuratively to describe breathing or edges of an object.
“The sweat and ragged breath are important, he explains.”
From Middle English ragged, from North Germanic. Compare with Old Norse rǫgvaðr (“tufted”) and Norwegian ragget (“shaggy”).
From rag.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.