Scruffiness

Scruffiness refers to the state or quality of being untidy, unkempt, and generally lacking in neatness or cleanliness. It describes a condition of being shaggy, rough, or disheveled in appearance. This can apply to a person's physical appearance, their clothing, or even the condition of a place or object. Often, scruffiness implies a lack of care or attention to detail, reflecting a casual or even neglectful attitude. It suggests a certain degree of roughness or a worn-out look, and can be contrasted with a sense of polish, elegance, or tidiness.

Scruffiness meaning with examples

• His scruffiness was evident in his rumpled clothes and perpetually tousled hair. He’d clearly just rolled out of bed. Despite the obvious scruffiness, there was a certain charm to his unpolished appearance, suggesting a relaxed and carefree personality. The casualness of his look was an obvious contrast to the formal setting. This only highlighted the overall impact of his general dishevelment.
• The old cottage, despite its apparent scruffiness, held a certain rustic charm. The overgrown garden and peeling paint added to the house's character. The interior revealed a lived-in scruffiness, with mismatched furniture and well-worn rugs. The scruffiness was a sign of generations who had resided within and found contentment. It was not the most stylish, but it felt comfortable.
• After weeks of camping, their scruffiness became the norm, the group looking very different from their initial arrival. Dirt-smeared faces, tangled hair, and clothes worn thin were hallmarks of the experience. The scruffiness of their appearance reflected the ruggedness of their journey and the natural settings. It showed the physical evidence of an unforgettable adventure.
• The detective noticed the scruffiness of the crime scene, reflecting a struggle, indicating an assault and poor care. Discarded items lay strewn about haphazardly, the lack of care highlighting the desperate nature of the events. The overall scruffiness suggested an unsettling disregard for order. This added to the overall impact that the scene's roughness had.