What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scraggly
Example
The stray dog had scraggly fur that was matted and dirty. [scraggly: adjective]
Example
The garden was filled with scraggly bushes and weeds. [scraggly: adjective]
shaggy
Example
The sheepdog had shaggy fur that covered its eyes. [shaggy: adjective]
Example
The man had a shaggy beard and wore a leather jacket. [shaggy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shaggy is more commonly used than scraggly in everyday language. Shaggy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scraggly is less common and refers to a specific type of unkempt appearance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scraggly and shaggy?
Both scraggly and shaggy are informal words that are typically used in casual settings. However, shaggy can also be used in a more formal context to describe a rugged or unconventional appearance.
