Scrawny

Scrawny describes a person or animal that is unattractively thin and weak-looking. It often implies a lack of healthy muscle or body fat, suggesting a fragile or underdeveloped appearance. This can be due to a lack of nourishment, genetics, illness, or a combination of factors. The word carries a negative connotation, highlighting a deficiency in physical development. It can also describe something, like a plant or a tree, as being thin and weak in its growth. The adjective's impact depends on the context: it can range from descriptive to critical, depending on the intention of the speaker or writer.

Scrawny meaning with examples

• The stray kitten was scrawny, its ribs visible beneath its matted fur. It cautiously approached, searching for food. Its appearance indicated a life of hardship, highlighting the need for immediate care and nourishment. The owner gave the kitten a bath and provided healthy food, and the scrawny animal started to get better.
• Despite his efforts in the gym, the young man remained scrawny, struggling to gain weight. He looked into his diet to learn why. His coach was concerned, and they decided to change his workout routine to focus on his diet. The doctor was concerned by his inability to gain weight as he would not eat, which was impacting his ability to gain muscle.
• The scrawny branches of the neglected apple tree struggled to bear any fruit. Its leaves were sparse, lacking the vibrant green of a healthy specimen. The weather played a role and it suffered from not having enough water. Its owner decided to care for the tree, which was getting better.
• As the drought persisted, the once-lush vegetation transformed into a landscape of scrawny, withered plants. The lack of water stunted their growth. They suffered and died out. The environment looked very unhealthy, a reminder of how much water is needed to maintain a healthy ecosystem.