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Definition of raggedy

raggedy

/ˈɹæɡ.ə.di/
rag · ged · y
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raggedy Lexical Profile

raggedy Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Worn, tattered, or in a state of disrepair; shabby or frayed in appearance.

Example

"He refused to throw away his favorite raggedy sweater despite the holes in the elbows."

2

North American Poorly organized, inferior in quality, or lacking refinement and coordination.

Example

"The amateur band gave a somewhat raggedy performance during their first rehearsal together."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

ragged
raggedly
raggedness
raggedy
ragging
raging
raglan

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 19th century in American English, formed as an informal elaboration of "ragged" by adding the adjectival suffix "-y". Its popularity was cemented in the early 20th century by James Whitcomb Riley's poem "The Raggedy Man" and Johnny Gruelle's "Raggedy Ann" stories.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Raggedy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/raggedy
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