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Definition of ragtag

ragtag

/ˈræɡ.tæɡ/
rag · tag
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ragtag Lexical Profile

ragtag Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Untidy, disorganized, or composed of a disparate assortment of elements.

Example

"A ragtag group of amateur musicians came together to perform at the neighborhood festival."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A disorganized, disreputable, or miscellaneous group of people; the rabble or riffraff.

Example

"The tavern was filled with the ragtag and bobtail of the old port town."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

raging
raglan
ragout
ragtag
ragtime
ragtop
ragu

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 16th century as the rhyming phrase 'rag, tag, and bobtail' (literally referring to tattered cloth and hanging scraps), used to describe the lowest or most disorderly elements of society.

Cite this Entry

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