ragged

adjective

rag·​ged ˈra-gəd 

1

: roughly unkempt

2

: having an irregular edge or outline

3

a

: torn or worn to tatters

b

: worn-out from stress and strain

ran herself ragged

4

: wearing tattered clothes

5

a

: straggly

b

: executed in an irregular or uneven manner

c

of a sound : harsh, dissonant

raggedly adverb

raggedness noun

Synonyms

• jagged

Examples of ragged in a Sentence

a boy in ragged jeans

You look a little ragged—did you have a rough week?

Recent Examples on the Web

The architecture matches the vibe; there's bloodlust in the air and even among the ragged fans who camp along the road outside. —Neda Ulaby, NPR, 19 Sep. 2025

But what really won the people over is the intensely conditioning formula that transforms dry, ragged cuticles with a potent blend of black algae, açai berry, and black caviar extract. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025

As such, his absence tore a ragged hole in the NFL’s TV schedule, and the audience numbers dwindled in kind. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 15 Sep. 2025

The original Toxic Avenger was made for chump change and wore its low-budget nature proudly, while this version, which was shot in Bulgaria in 2021 and involves both practical and digital effects, tries to evoke that ragged aesthetic while working with more resources. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ragged

• on the ragged edge
• ragged robin
• run (someone) ragged

Kids Definition

ragged

adjective

rag·​ged ˈrag-əd 

1

: having a rough or uneven edge or outline

ragged cliffs

2

a

: torn or worn to or as if to tatters

a ragged dress

b

: wearing tattered clothes

a ragged child

3

: done in an uneven way

a ragged performance

raggedly adverb

raggedness noun