Scratchiness

Scratchiness refers to the unpleasant, rough, or irritating sensation caused by a surface, fabric, or other material that rubs against the skin or a sensitive surface. It is characterized by a lack of smoothness and can cause discomfort, itching, or irritation. This sensation arises from the presence of microscopic irregularities or fibers that create friction. The degree of scratchiness varies widely, from a barely perceptible texture to a severely abrasive feel. It's often described in terms like rough, coarse, or irritating and can affect both physical objects and, metaphorically, situations or experiences.

Scratchiness meaning with examples

• The old wool sweater possessed an unbearable scratchiness that made it impossible to wear for more than a few minutes. My skin felt raw after the briefest exposure, and I immediately had to change. Even after washing, the texture persisted, a testament to the coarse fibers used in its production, and the scratchiness ensured the sweater would remain untouched in my closet.
• The cheap paper's scratchiness was a major distraction while trying to write a letter. The rough surface of the notebook snagged my pen, interrupting my flow and making the ink spread unevenly. This scratchiness made it a chore to use the cheap paper, and I found myself constantly cringing, wishing I had opted for smoother, higher-quality stationary to enhance the writing experience.
• After spending a night sleeping on the rough, burlap sack, the morning greeted me with a persistent scratchiness all over my body. My skin was red and inflamed from rubbing against the coarse material all night. The scratchiness was incredibly unpleasant, causing me to itch constantly until I showered and had a gentle exfoliating scrub to soothe and remove the irritants.
• The vinyl records were stored without protective sleeves, leading to surface scratches which created a distinct scratchiness in the sound during playback. Despite the great tunes, the audible imperfections were distracting. Each time the needle crossed a damaged area, the scratchiness interrupted the music, and I started to avoid listening to those specific records.