What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
raggedy
Example
The raggedy old teddy bear was well-loved and worn. [raggedy: adjective]
Example
She wore a raggedy dress with holes in the sleeves. [raggedy: adjective]
shabby
Example
The shabby old couch had seen better days. [shabby: adjective]
Example
He wore a shabby suit to the job interview. [shabby: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shabby is more commonly used than raggedy in everyday language. Shabby is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while raggedy is less common and has a more informal connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between raggedy and shabby?
While shabby can be used in both formal and informal contexts, raggedy is typically associated with a casual and playful tone.