Word
scattered
Phoneticsscat·tered, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈskætɝd/
UK/skˈætəd/
Definitions
01spread out spatially
B1 · Intermediate
adj. spread out over a large area or in many different places.
adj. dispersed or distributed over a wide area; not concentrated in a single location.
“There were a few scattered houses along the coast, but no real towns.”
“The survey found scattered remnants of the ancient settlement across the valley, suggesting a much larger population than previously estimated.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02weather/showers
B1 · Intermediate
adj. happening in only a few places or at different times.
adj. occurring at irregular intervals or in various separate locations, particularly regarding meteorological phenomena.
“The forecast for tomorrow includes scattered showers in the afternoon.”
“Meteorologists predicted scattered thunderstorms throughout the region, though most areas remained dry for the duration of the event.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03distracted or disorganized
C1 · Advanced Informal
adj. unable to think clearly or focus because you are doing too many things.
adj. lacking focus or mental organisation; preoccupied with disparate tasks or thoughts.
“I feel a bit scattered today because I have so many different projects to finish.”
“Her presentation felt scattered, jumping between unrelated data points without providing a cohesive narrative for the board members.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “scattered” in context.
Verb
01. become scattered
“The herd became scattered when the wolves began their hunt in the open plains.”
verb + adj
02. lie scattered
“Debris from the fallen tree lay scattered all over the driveway after the storm.”
verb + adj
03. remain scattered
“His belongings remained scattered across the floor long after he had finished packing.”
verb + adj
Adjective
04. scattered remains
“Archaeologists discovered the scattered remains of an ancient settlement across the valley.”
adj + noun
05. scattered showers
“The weather forecast predicts scattered showers throughout the afternoon, so bring an umbrella.”
adj + noun
06. widely scattered
“The small villages are widely scattered across the mountainous region, making travel difficult.”
adv + adj
Noun
07. scattered instances of violence
“There were only scattered instances of violence reported during the otherwise peaceful protest.”
adj + noun + of + noun
08. scattered light
Real-World Examples
“Officials continued to battle scattered blazes there late on Sunday, while the second fire which began in the eastern town of Selinia was said to have "no active front".” “While helicopters scattered miniature red roses over the crowd, priests in white robes celebrated mass and the Mazowsze folk ensemble sang and danced to traditional Polish music.” “Where it once stood, rubble remains: Broken terracotta roof tiles scattered across the wet ground and brick walls collapsed into a soggy heap, dark with rain.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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