# scattered

/ˈskætɝd/ (US) · /skˈætəd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scattered
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. spread out spatially

adjective · CEFR B1

spread out over a large area or in many different places.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. weather/showers

adjective · CEFR B1

happening in only a few places or at different times.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. distracted or disorganized

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal

unable to think clearly or focus because you are doing too many things.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- There will be scattered showers throughout the afternoon.
- The ancient ruins were scattered across the valley, making it difficult for the archaeologists to map the original city.
- The report noted that while the core population remained urban, scattered settlements persisted in the mountainous regions, largely isolated from the central government's influence.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.