Bedraggled

adjective: untidy, disheveled, or in a state of disarray, often as a result of exposure to rain, mud, or wear. The term implies a lack of care or attention to appearance, indicating that someone or something appears damp, dirty, and neglected. It can describe physical conditions, such as clothing or hair that’s in disarray, or figurative states of being, like emotional turmoil, suggesting a sense of exhaustion or weariness.

Bedraggled meaning with examples

• After getting caught in the downpour, I arrived at the party bedraggled, with my hair plastered to my forehead and my dress clinging to my legs. Despite my appearance, everyone welcomed me with warmth, and we laughed about the unplanned shower. I tried to dry off with napkins, creating even more of a scene, yet I felt grateful for the acceptance and joy that was shared, leaving my bedraggled state behind me in the spirit of fun.
• The stray dog appeared bedraggled as it wandered into the shelter, its fur matted and muddy from days spent on the streets. With a sad look in its eyes, the animal seemed desperate for warmth and comfort. The volunteers quickly wrapped it in a soft blanket, providing food and water, eager to nurse it back to health. Witnessing its transformation from a bedraggled stray to a trusting companion was heartwarming and inspiring.
• Her bedraggled state reflected her hectic life; papers scattered on her desk, hair in disarray, and coffee splattered on her blouse. It wasn’t just the physical disorder that bore her down; the mental chaos weighed heavily on her. As she took stock of her surroundings, she realized that a little organization might just bring back some clarity and rejuvenation, replacing the bedraggled image she had come to embody amidst her chaotic existence.
• As the storm raged on, the camping group emerged from their tents looking bedraggled, with damp clothes and wild hair, yet laughter filled the air. They had faced the elements together and found joy in their predicament. Instead of retreating to shelter, they decided to embrace the rain, building a makeshift shelter, and reminiscing about their adventures, proving that even in bedraggled states, camaraderie can thrive, turning misfortune into cherished memories.
• The once-pristine garden now looked bedraggled after weeks of neglect and relentless rain. Weeds overgrew the flower beds, and the patio was littered with fallen leaves. Determined to restore its former glory, the gardener rolled up her sleeves and began the task of revitalizing the space. With each weed plucked, the beauty of the garden began to resurface, transforming the bedraggled landscape into a vibrant oasis once again.