Word
scruffy
US/ˈskɹəfi/
UK/skɹˈʌfi/
Definition
adj. looking messy, disorganized, or slightly dirty. You use this to describe someone who does not take care of their appearance or a place that is not clean.
adj. having a disheveled, untidy, or slightly unkempt appearance. Often used to describe physical appearance or the state of a room or building.
Examples
“He looked a bit scruffy after the long hike.”
“The old library had a scruffy look, with books stacked haphazardly on every available surface.”
“Despite the building's scruffy exterior, the interior was surprisingly well-maintained, suggesting that the residents were proud of their modest home.”
Examples
simple
“He looked a bit scruffy after the long hike.”
contextual
“The old library had a scruffy look, with books stacked haphazardly on every available surface.”
complex
“Despite the building's scruffy exterior, the interior was surprisingly well-maintained, suggesting that the residents were proud of their modest home.”
Real-World Examples
“He has short white and grey hair, scruffy facial hair and is missing his front teeth.” “They’re polar opposites – he’s a scruffy punk who hangs out in dingy clubs, she’s often found gossiping in a mall food court – but fall head over heels.” “While other children went out and got cheerfully muddy I would be held back by a fear of looking scruffy, and even in primary school I worried about not getting good grades.” “Jonathan Rogers, assistant head teacher, said pupils had felt a bit "embarrassed" by its previous uniform, which consisted of polo shirts and trainers and could look scruffy.” Etymology
From scruff + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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/scruffy