# scruffy

/ˈskɹəfi/ (US) · /skɹˈʌfi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scruffy
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

---

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.