as in dilapidated
showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect
dressed in scruffy old clothes to clean out the garage
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scruffy
His consolation goal against Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup was the sort of scruffy set-piece goal that keeps a goalscoring tally ticking over, even in lean periods.
—
Carl Anka, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026
Instead of his signature wavy dark brunette locks and scruffy hot prof facial hair, Garfield rocked sandy blonde curls and a clean shaven look.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026
In a group of scruffy hippies, Weir was a bit of a misfit—ironically, by virtue of being normal.
—David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 12 Jan. 2026
Hostaria San Pietro’s is hand-written on a scruffy piece of paper, according to the fisherman’s catch—cod, shrimp, squid.
—Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scruffy
Carl Anka, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026
Instead of his signature wavy dark brunette locks and scruffy hot prof facial hair, Garfield rocked sandy blonde curls and a clean shaven look.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026
In a group of scruffy hippies, Weir was a bit of a misfit—ironically, by virtue of being normal.
—David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 12 Jan. 2026
Hostaria San Pietro’s is hand-written on a scruffy piece of paper, according to the fisherman’s catch—cod, shrimp, squid.
—Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scruffy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scruffy
Adjective
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The project was planned to clear the area of outdated and dilapidated buildings, to attract new businesses and promote economic revitalization.—
Jessica Alvarado Gamez,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
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The trip could also see China give the go-ahead for the UK to rebuild its dilapidated embassy in Beijing.—
Brendan Murray,
Bloomberg,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The department issued heavy fines and ultimately shuttered a neglected building in Denver’s uptown neighborhood last year that was owned by CBZ Management.—
Sam Tabachnik,
Denver Post,
8 Jan. 2026
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The narrative highlights the growing, unseen populations of lonely and neglected individuals, shedding light on a vital but often ignored aspect of public care.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scruffy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scruffy. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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