Ragged

Ragged describes something that is torn, worn, and frayed, often to a significant degree. It can refer to the physical condition of clothing, fabric, or other materials, signifying deterioration through use or damage. ragged can also describe a rough, uneven, or irregular appearance, extending beyond the literal tearing of fabric to encompass textures, edges, or the overall presentation of something. Furthermore, ragged can metaphorically portray a person's physical state or mental condition as weakened or worn down. The degree of raggedness can vary, from a minor fraying to a severely damaged state.

Ragged meaning with examples

• The old scarecrow stood in the field, its straw stuffing poking through a ragged shirt and pants. Years of exposure to the harsh weather had left its clothes tattered and torn. It was a sad, ragged sight, a testament to its long service protecting the crops, and the villagers felt sympathy for the lonely figure standing, its ragged appearance a reminder of the relentless passage of time.
• After the hikers' arduous trek through the dense jungle, their clothing became quite ragged. The thorns and branches tore at their sleeves and trousers leaving ragged edges. Despite the ragged state of their clothing, they pressed on towards their goal with the perseverance of explorers. By the time they finally emerged, the sun-faded ragged garments were mere shreds of their former selves.
• The artist employed a ragged brushstroke to give the painting a sense of texture and energy. The deliberate use of the ragged line added depth and a dynamic quality. This ragged style, in contrast to smooth and uniform brush strokes, was a key aspect of her artistic signature, conveying raw emotion and the untamed nature of her subjects, and the way the ragged edges caught the eye of viewers.
• The war veteran, haunted by memories, spoke in a ragged voice, his words punctuated by long pauses. His mental state was worn, his spirit as ragged as the battlefield he had left. His experiences of those ragged experiences were clearly etched on his face and in his demeanour; his ragged emotional condition a constant reminder of the trauma he had endured, a testimony to the cost of conflict.