Bedraggled: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'bedraggled' when something or someone looks very wet, dirty, and untidy, usually after being in the rain or mud. It often carries a sense of weariness or neglect.

• After walking through the storm, she came home bedraggled and shivering.
• The dog looked bedraggled after playing in the muddy field.

Use 'dirty' for something that is covered with dirt, grime, or stains. It has a straightforward and general meaning, often without any extra emotional connotation.

• His hands were dirty from working in the garden.
• She needed to clean the dirty dishes before dinner.

Use 'muddy' specifically when something is covered with or filled with mud. It is often used for outdoor scenarios or when talking about soil and wet conditions.

• The children returned home with muddy boots after playing outside.
• The car got stuck on the muddy road.

Use 'untidy' when something is not neat, organized, or orderly. It can refer to physical spaces, appearance, or situations.

• Her room was always untidy, with clothes scattered everywhere.
• He looked untidy with his unkempt hair and wrinkled shirt.

To describe someone or something that is dirty and wet, often appearing untidy. Typically used in a negative or pitiable sense.

• The bedraggled cat looked like it had been out in the rain all night.
• After the storm, the hikers stumbled into the cabin, bedraggled and exhausted.

To describe a complete covering or soaking with liquid, especially water. Often implied that it happened suddenly and thoroughly.

• He got drenched in the sudden downpour and had to change his clothes.
• The kids drenched each other with water balloons during the summer party.

To describe the process of becoming completely wet by being immersed in liquid for a period of time. It can be used for both intentional and unintentional scenarios.

• She left the dirty dishes to soak in the sink overnight.
• After falling into the pool, he was completely soaked.

To describe something that is completely soaked with liquid to the point that it cannot absorb any more. Often used in a more technical or precise sense.

• The sponge was so saturated with water that it started dripping.
• The ground was saturated after days of heavy rain.