What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scruffy
Example
He showed up to the party looking scruffy and unshaven. [scruffy: adjective]
Example
The old building had a scruffy exterior with peeling paint and broken windows. [scruffy: adjective]
Example
She wore a scruffy pair of sneakers that were falling apart. [scruffy: adjective]
disheveled
Example
After a long night of studying, she looked disheveled and exhausted. [disheveled: adjective]
Example
The room was disheveled with papers and books scattered everywhere. [disheveled: adjective]
Example
The meeting ended in a disheveled state with no clear decisions made. [disheveled: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scruffy is more commonly used than disheveled in everyday language. Scruffy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while disheveled is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scruffy and disheveled?
Disheveled is more formal than scruffy, which is often used in informal contexts. Therefore, disheveled is more appropriate for formal writing or speech, while scruffy is more suitable for casual conversation or informal writing.
