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Definition of scabby
scabby
/ˈskæb.i/
scab · by
Adverb:scabbily
scabby Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
7
Tier
2
Usage
Rare
Syllables
2
scabby Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• adjective
1
Covered with, consisting of, or affected by scabs or crusty sores.
Example
"The stray dog had scabby ears and needed immediate veterinary treatment."
2
Shabby, Contemptible, mean, or of very poor quality (informal).
Example
"They stayed in a scabby little motel on the edge of the highway."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for scabby Antonyms
View all antonyms for scabby• Rhymes for scabby
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Late Middle English from the noun 'scab' (borrowed from Old Norse 'skabb') and the adjective-forming suffix '-y'.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Scabby. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/scabby