Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a sharply uneven surface or outline: Used to describe something with a rough, jagged, or irregular appearance, often with many sharp points or projections.
   • Being very thin, lean, or bony: Used to describe a person, animal, or part of the body that is unattractively thin, with bones that are prominent or visible.

Usage Examples

• Describing an uneven surface or outline:
  • The climbers carefully navigated the scraggy cliffs.
  • We could see the scraggy silhouette of the mountains against the sky.
• Describing a thin person or animal:
  • The stray dog was scraggy and underfed.
  • He had a long, scraggy neck that stuck out from his shirt collar.

Advanced Usage

• "Scraggy" vs. "Scrawny": While both describe extreme thinness, "scraggy" can also imply a rough, uneven texture or outline. "Scrawny" is used almost exclusively for living things and emphasizes lack of muscle and flesh.
  • The old tree had a scraggy bark. (Highlights texture/outline)
  • The scrawny kitten needed food. (Highlights thinness of a living creature)

Variants and Related Words

• Scrag (noun): An old or scrawny person or animal. Can also refer to a rough or jagged projection.
  • That old scrag of a horse is still in the field.
• Scraggly (adjective): Irregular, uneven, or untidy in form or growth. Often used for hair, beards, or plants.
  • He tried to comb his scraggly beard.

Synonyms

• For thinness: Scrawny, skinny, bony, gaunt, emaciated.
• For unevenness: Jagged, rugged, rough, craggy, uneven.

Antonyms

• For thinness: Plump, stout, fleshy, well-fed.
• For unevenness: Smooth, even, regular, flat.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Scraggy end": An informal phrase referring to the last, poorest, or most undesirable part of something.
  • He always gets the scraggy end of the deal.

Adjective

1. having a sharply uneven surface or outline
   • the jagged outline of the crags
   • scraggy cliffs
2. being very thin
   • a child with skinny freckled legs
   • a long scrawny neck