What does jaggedest mean?
Jaggedest is the superlative form of the adjective jagged, meaning the most sharply pointed, uneven, or broken in outline. A jagged edge might belong to a mountain ridge, a torn piece of paper, or a fractured piece of metal. The word is especially evocative when describing natural landscapes because irregular peaks and rocky ridgelines are commonly called jagged. In figurative use, it can describe anything perceived as rough, harsh, or sharply discontinuous, such as a difficult journey or an eventful historical period. "Most jagged" can replace the superlative in contexts where greater clarity is preferred. Although the word conveys a strong impression of roughness, it is not restricted to literal points: a jagged outline, coastline, or pattern may have deep, angular irregularities without forming sharp physical projections.
adjectiveThe superlative of jagged: having sharp, uneven points or projections. It describes the most irregular, sharply broken surface or outline.
- Having the sharpest, most uneven points or projections among several things.
"From the ridge, the jaggedest peaks rose like a row of dark teeth."
"The jaggedest section of the path forced us to climb over loose rocks."
"Her account captured the jaggedest moments of the election with startling clarity."
From high in the mountains, the jaggedest skyline belongs to nature, not architecture.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of jaggedest
The word ultimately derives from jag, an older English word for a notch, projecting point, or sharp irregularity. Jagged developed by adding the adjective-forming suffix -ed and later became the usual base form. The superlative ending -est was added to form jaggedest, following the standard English pattern of comparing adjectives of this kind.
Related word forms
How jaggedest is actually used
Usually used before a plural noun, as in "the jaggedest peaks," or after the copula, as in "the peaks are the jaggedest." It is standard in formal and informal English.