Scratchy

Describes a sensation or quality characterized by roughness, irritation, or an unpleasant texture that causes a mild itching or grating feeling. This can apply to physical surfaces like fabrics, sounds like a record player with imperfections, or even sensations like a sore throat. The word implies a degree of discomfort and lack of smoothness, leading to an urge to alleviate the irritation.

Scratchy meaning with examples

• The old wool sweater was incredibly scratchy against her skin, making her fidget and wish she’d chosen a softer fabric. She could barely focus because of the constant irritation, prompting her to seek an alternative. Eventually she had to take the scratchy sweater off.
• The antique phonograph played a scratchy version of the classic tune, the needle jumping and crackling as it tried to navigate the old vinyl record. Although nostalgic, the quality was far from perfect and made the listening experience less enjoyable. He loved the song, but not the scratchy quality.
• After her cold, her throat felt scratchy, making it difficult for her to swallow or speak for long periods. The dryness and inflammation caused a persistent tickle and minor pain, prompting her to drink soothing tea. Eventually she had to find relief with the tea.
• The cheap, scratchy paper irritated the artist's hand as he attempted to sketch, creating lines that were uneven and detracting from the final result. He found it hard to create details because of the roughness. It proved unsuitable for fine art.