Word
scrappy
Phoneticsscrap·py, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈskɹæpi/
UK/skɹˈæpi/
Definition
adj. having a strong, determined spirit and a willingness to fight or compete, even when you are the underdog. It describes someone who works hard and doesn't give up easily.
adj. characterised by a determined, aggressive, or competitive spirit, particularly when facing superior odds. Often describes individuals or organisations that compensate for a lack of resources with tenacity and grit.
Examples
“The scrappy little team won the championship against all odds.”
“Starting in a garage with almost no funding, the scrappy startup eventually disrupted the entire tech industry.”
“The candidate's scrappy performance during the debate appealed to voters who felt the establishment had grown complacent and disconnected from everyday struggles.”
Examples
simple
“The scrappy little team won the championship against all odds.”
contextual
“Starting in a garage with almost no funding, the scrappy startup eventually disrupted the entire tech industry.”
complex
“The candidate's scrappy performance during the debate appealed to voters who felt the establishment had grown complacent and disconnected from everyday struggles.”
Usage
Informal in register; often used as a term of praise for underdogs.
Real-World Examples
“Once scrappy post-punk poets, they’re now one of the biggest bands in the world.” Etymology
From scrap + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/scrappy