scruffy
scruffy — adjective
1. having a look that is messy and not fully clean, usually because someone has not
having a look that is messy and not fully clean, usually because someone has not taken care of their appearance or surroundings for some time.
The scruffy man at the bus stop wore a torn coat and muddy shoes.
attributive: scruffy + noun (person)
After three days without sleep, Yumi looked too scruffy to go to the office.
predicative: look + scruffy
Mauricio wore a scruffy old jacket that had holes in both sleeves.
The old cafe near Noa's school looked scruffy and dirty inside.
Kwame's dog was scruffy and thin after living on the streets for months.
- messy
more general and less negative; can describe temporary disorder as well as long-term neglect
- shabby
focuses on worn-out condition from age or heavy use, not just lack of tidiness
- unkempt
specifically about hair or facial hair that has not been combed or groomed
- tatty
chiefly British English; describes things that are old, torn, and falling apart
- neat
tidy and carefully arranged
- smart
clean and fashionably dressed
- well-groomed
having a carefully cared-for appearance
文法句型
scruffy + noun
be/look + scruffy
用法筆記
Frequently used in everyday speech rather than formal writing. Works for people, their clothing, animals, and places such as rooms or buildings. Can go before a noun (a scruffy beard) or after a linking verb (the garden looks scruffy).