ragged

adjective

rag·​ged ˈra-gəd How to pronounce ragged (audio)
Synonyms of ragged
1
: roughly unkempt
2
: having an irregular edge or outline
3
a
: torn or worn to tatters
b
: worn-out from stress and strain
ran herself ragged
4
: wearing tattered clothes
5
a
: straggly
b
: executed in an irregular or uneven manner
c
of a sound : harsh, dissonant
raggedly adverb
raggedness noun

Synonyms of ragged

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Examples of ragged in a Sentence

a boy in ragged jeans You look a little ragged—did you have a rough week?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Typically depicted with exaggerated features and ragged clothing – or no clothing at all – these children were often shown being chased by alligators or other wild animals. — The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026 Sharpen Mower Blades Dull blades create a ragged leaf edge, which is the ideal entry point for diseases. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2026 For someone running on five ragged hours of sleep, fixing sleep will do more than another workout. — New Atlas, 7 Aug. 2026 The jokes are still wildly scattershot and frequently, knowingly lame; the production is still cheap and cheerfully scrappy; the whole ragged enterprise is still reliant on the evident affection and chemistry between its players to hold it together. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ragged

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ragged was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing ragged

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ragga
ragged
ragged cup
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Cite this Entry

“Ragged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ragged. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ragged

adjective
rag·​ged ˈrag-əd How to pronounce ragged (audio)
1
: having a rough or uneven edge or outline
ragged cliffs
2
a
: torn or worn to or as if to tatters
a ragged dress
b
: wearing tattered clothes
a ragged child
3
: done in an uneven way
a ragged performance
raggedly adverb
raggedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on ragged

Nglish: Translation of ragged for Spanish Speakers

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