What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scraggly
Example
The scraggly bushes in the garden need to be trimmed. [scraggly: adjective]
Example
Her hair was scraggly and unkempt after a long day at work. [scraggly: adjective]
scruffy
Example
He showed up to the interview looking scruffy and unprofessional. [scruffy: adjective]
Example
The old couch in the living room looked scruffy and worn out. [scruffy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scruffy is more commonly used than scraggly in everyday language. Scruffy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scraggly is less common and refers to specific types of untidiness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scraggly and scruffy?
Scraggly is more formal than scruffy, which is often used in informal contexts. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
