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Straggly: meaning, definitions and examples

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straggly

 

[ ˈstræɡli ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

appearance, hair

Straggly refers to something that is untidy, in disarray, or not well-groomed. Often, it is used to describe hair that is long and unkempt, hanging in wild strands. Additionally, straggly can apply to plants or vines that grow in a disorganized manner, rather than neatly or in an orderly fashion. It evokes images of neglect or lack of care.

Synonyms

disheveled, messy, scraggly, unkempt

Examples of usage

  • Her straggly hair looked unkempt after the storm.
  • The straggly vines climbed up the fence haphazardly.
  • He wore a straggly beard that gave him a rugged look.

Translations

Translations of the word "straggly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desgrenhado

🇮🇳 बिखरा हुआ

🇩🇪 strubbelig

🇮🇩 berantakan

🇺🇦 неохайний

🇵🇱 rozczochrany

🇯🇵 ぼさぼさの

🇫🇷 échevelé

🇪🇸 desaliñado

🇹🇷 dağınık

🇰🇷 헝클어진

🇸🇦 مهمل

🇨🇿 neuklizený

🇸🇰 neupravený

🇨🇳 凌乱的

🇸🇮 razmršen

🇮🇸 óreynslulegur

🇰🇿 тәртіпсіз

🇬🇪 არეული

🇦🇿 qarışıq

🇲🇽 desarreglado

Etymology

The term 'straggly' appears to derive from the word 'straggle', which is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century. 'Straggle' itself comes from the earlier term 'strag' that means to stray or roam away. The transformation into 'straggly' adds the adjective form to convey a state of being. It reflects a characteristic of things that are not closely packed or ordered, reflecting a sense of looseness both in physical form and in a metaphorical sense. The increasing urbanization during the 19th century likely contributed to the rise of this word as more people began to interact with untamed nature and the effects of weather on human-made structures and gardens.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,957 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.