Sprawled

The past tense and past participle of the verb 'sprawl,' meaning to lie or sit with one's limbs spread out in a relaxed or ungainly way; to spread out irregularly over a wide area; or to extend or develop in a haphazard or uncontrolled manner. It often implies a lack of formality or constraint, and can be used to describe both physical postures and the expansion of cities or organizations. The imagery frequently evokes a sense of ease, disorder, or the natural distribution of something over a space. It suggests a relaxed or unkempt positioning, though can also portray the disorganised spread of objects or structures.

Sprawled meaning with examples

• Exhausted after the hike, he sprawled on the park bench, legs extended and arms draped over the back, completely oblivious to the people passing by. He enjoyed the feeling of utter relaxation after the physical exertion. The sun warmed his face as he rested.
• The city sprawled outwards after the invention of the automobile, consuming farmland and creating a network of highways. Residential and commercial developments slowly consumed the previous rural spaces. The once vibrant landscape had been transformed and developed significantly.
• After the accident, the scattered papers and books sprawled across the floor, creating a chaotic scene. The accident caused the contents to spill. He was faced with the task of organizing the disorganized material.
• The company’s organizational structure sprawled with each new acquisition, lacking clear lines of authority and efficient communication channels. The company had grown but lacked a clear structure. The lack of structure led to inefficiency and confusion.