ragged
UK: ˈræɡɪd | US: ˈræɡɪd
adj. 1. (of cloth or clothes) old and torn; in poor condition.
adj. 2. having an irregular or uneven edge, surface, or outline.
adj. 3. (of a person) looking exhausted or unwell.
The word "ragged" originates from the Middle English "raggyd," derived from "ragge" (meaning a torn piece of cloth) + the suffix "-ed" (used to form adjectives). The root "rag" traces back to Old Norse "rögg" (shaggy tuft) or Old English "raggig" (rough). Over time, "ragged" evolved to describe not only torn fabric but also irregular edges or a disheveled appearance, reflecting its connection to roughness and disorder.
The homeless man wore a ragged coat that barely protected him from the cold.
The pages of the old book were ragged at the edges from years of use.
After the long hike, she looked ragged and desperately needed rest.
The flag fluttered in the wind, its ragged stripes barely visible.
His ragged breathing indicated he was struggling to recover from the run.