What does ragged mean?
Ragged most often describes something worn, torn, or frayed, especially clothing, fabric, or an edge that has become damaged through use. It can also refer to an irregular outline or a rough, incomplete arrangement, as in ragged writing or a ragged line. The word often carries a negative implication: the thing is not merely old or irregular but visibly damaged, neglected, or insufficiently finished. In figurative contexts, ragged may suggest a lack of order, continuity, or polish. It is widely used in British and American English, while related forms such as raggedly and raggedness express the manner or quality of being ragged. Although its basic meaning is concerned with frayed material, the word has developed a broader figurative use for anything uneven, imperfect, or roughly organized. The verb, now relatively uncommon, means to make or become ragged by wearing or tearing.
Worn, torn, frayed, or in poor condition; uneven or irregular in shape, arrangement, or quality.
"The hikers returned with ragged clothes and boots full of mud."
The adjective has both literal and figurative uses. It is especially common for clothing, fabric, edges, and appearances.
To make or become worn, torn, or frayed.
"The rough rocks ragged the sleeves of his coat."
This use is relatively uncommon and tends to occur in literary or descriptive writing.
Ragged once described a shaggy tuft before it came to mean worn, frayed, or irregularly unfinished.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How ragged is actually used
Ragged is common in both formal and informal English. It can describe physical wear, irregular shape, and figurative disorder or unevenness. The verb use is comparatively uncommon and literary.
Easily confused with ragged
Ragged means worn, torn, uneven, or irregular, whereas racy means fast-paced, exciting, or suggestive.
Ragged describes something physically worn or irregular, while rage refers to intense anger or widespread enthusiasm.