scruffy

adjective

ˈskrə-fē 

scruffier; scruffiest

: unkempt, slovenly, shaggy

a scruffy neighborhood

a scruffy beard

scruffily

ˈskrə-fə-lē 

adverb

scruffiness

ˈskrə-fē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of scruffy

• dilapidated
• neglected

Examples of scruffy in a Sentence

The neighborhood is full of dilapidated houses with scruffy backyards.

dressed in scruffy old clothes to clean out the garage

Recent Examples on the Web

Vibrant, free-spirited, and sometimes a little scruffy around the edges, some love it, others don’t—and Brighton is very ok with that. — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026

The True Blood actor was shown head-to-toe covered in wicker material, with a scruffy beard and hair. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 30 July 2026

Phillies fans still love their collection of scruffy galoots. — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 15 July 2026

The suspect is described as a Hispanic or Middle Eastern man, about 35 years old, approximately 5-foot-8 with a thin build, shaved head, brown eyes and scruffy facial hair. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

scruff, metathetic variant of scurf (also with senses "something worthless or contemptible, contemptible person") + -y entry 1

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for scruffy

• buffy
• fluffy
• puffy
• stuffy

Kids Definition

scruffy

adjective

ˈskrəf-ē 

scruffier; scruffiest

: dirty or shabby in appearance

a scruffy beard