Straggly

Straggly describes something that is spread out irregularly, untidily, and often sparsely. This can apply to hair, plants, or even groups of people. It often suggests a lack of order or a haphazard arrangement. The word evokes a sense of things being loosely distributed, perhaps without proper care or attention. Often implies a slightly unkempt or disheveled appearance. It can also refer to things that are thin or elongated and loosely scattered, often without a clear form or organization. In essence, something straggly lacks the neatness, compactness, or uniformity of an ordered arrangement.

Straggly meaning with examples

• The old oak tree had a straggly appearance, with its branches reaching out in all directions like the arms of a weary giant. Its leaves were sparse, offering little shade, giving it an almost neglected vibe. The branches were thin and spindly compared to what you would normally expect, creating a straggly silhouette against the evening sky.
• Her hair, usually neatly styled, fell in straggly locks around her face after the long hike. The humidity had caused any form of structure to vanish. A few strands stuck stubbornly to her damp forehead. She looked hot and dishevelled after the climb, the straggly nature of her hair adding to the effect of the tough hike.
• The straggly rows of tomatoes in the neglected garden bore little resemblance to the perfectly organized ones she'd seen in magazines. Weeds peeked through the soil. Some of the plants were barely reaching. It was obvious that there had been a lack of recent care in the garden, the straggly effect demonstrating its state.
• The crowd of protesters was a straggly mix of ages and backgrounds, the scattered individuals seemed unsure, and their signs barely visible from a distance. They did not have great energy or numbers. They seemed like a scattered band in the straggly nature of their formation, lacking real discipline or unity.
• After the storm, a few straggly pieces of driftwood littered the beach, scattered amongst the smooth, white sand. They created a bit of mess. Their haphazard appearance was a stark contrast to the pristine beach, suggesting some recent and damaging event. The straggly wood gave a sense of chaos.