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Scrawny: meaning, definitions and examples

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scrawny

 

[ ˈskrɔːni ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

describing a person

Thin and weak in a way that is not attractive or healthy.

Synonyms

emaciated, gaunt, skinny, thin

Examples of usage

  • He was a scrawny little boy with a big head.
  • She looked scrawny and underfed.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing an animal

Having little flesh or fat on their body; skinny.

Synonyms

bony, lean, skin-and-bones

Examples of usage

  • The scrawny cat looked hungry and cold.
  • The scrawny dog shivered in the cold.
Context #3 | Adjective

informal usage

Small, thin, and weak in appearance or build.

Synonyms

meager, puny, slender

Examples of usage

  • He had a scrawny beard that barely covered his chin.
  • The scrawny branches of the tree swayed in the wind.

Translations

Translations of the word "scrawny" in other languages:

🇵🇹 magricela

🇮🇳 दुबला-पतला

🇩🇪 dürr

🇮🇩 kurus kering

🇺🇦 худорлявий

🇵🇱 chuderlawy

🇯🇵 痩せこけた（やせこけた）

🇫🇷 maigre

🇪🇸 escuálido

🇹🇷 sıska

🇰🇷 여윈 (yeowin)

🇸🇦 هزيل

🇨🇿 vychrtlý

🇸🇰 vychudnutý

🇨🇳 瘦弱的 (shòuruò de)

🇸🇮 suh

🇮🇸 horaður

🇰🇿 арық

🇬🇪 გამხდარი (gamxdari)

🇦🇿 arıq

🇲🇽 escuálido

Word origin

The word 'scrawny' originated in the early 19th century and is believed to be derived from the Scottish word 'scraich' meaning 'thin' or 'lean'. Over time, 'scrawny' has come to be commonly used to describe individuals or animals that are excessively thin, lacking in muscle or fat. The negative connotation associated with being scrawny often implies a lack of health or attractiveness.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,101, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.