draggled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draggled" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is wet, dirty, or in a disheveled state, often referring to clothing or hair. Example: "After the rainstorm, her dress was completely draggled, clinging to her legs and covered in mud."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

What she saw was a loose-limbed child lying on a large carved cushion, its arms flung out, its legs at unexpected angles, its hair draggled across its smooth forehead, its eyes closed in sleep.

The New Yorker

As I watched his tail-lights vanish down the hill, I thought of him driving home along the ugly provincial highway, past the draggled rural prostitutes he knew so well, stepping over the threshold of his tiny apartment, where no one waited for him, while I would sleep wreathed in the roses he'd lavished on my bedroom.

The New Yorker

From his two months in the north, one image stayed with him above all others; a pale young woman "with the usual draggled, exhausted look … I thought how dreadful a destiny it was to be kneeling in the gutter in a back alley in Wigan, in the bitter cold, prodding a stick up a blocked drain.

The Guardian - Books

I have a photograph of the stuffed remains of one of the last birds to be shot; a black-and-white snapshot of a bird from a Scottish estate, draggled, stuffed and glassy-eyed.

The Guardian - Books

PEN and its fund-raising methods have been draggled by controversy over the years.

The New York Times - Books

The tales are startling for their grotesque humor, for the light they shed on the draggled hinterland between the civilized and the monstrous.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Sandinavian Airlines and Helene Curtis had decided between them that it is "a very frustrating thing for a woman to arrive in a strange city - tired and be-draggled - and just not know where to turn for that infinite pleasureof having it all put right again by a trusted expert.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "draggled" to vividly depict a state of being wet, dirty, or generally unkempt, especially when describing clothing or hair. For example, after a long walk in the rain, a coat might be described as "draggled".

Common error

Avoid using "draggled" in professional or formal writing where a more neutral or precise term would be more appropriate. Instead of saying "the proposal was draggled by delays", consider using "hindered" or "delayed".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "draggled" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their condition as being wet, dirty, or disheveled. Ludwig's examples show it modifying "hair", "prostitutes", and "look", for instance. It can also be used as the past tense of the verb "draggle".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "draggled" functions primarily as an adjective to describe something as wet, dirty, or disheveled, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively uncommon, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. It evokes a sense of neglect or weariness. Ludwig AI highlights its grammatical correctness. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "sodden" or "disheveled".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bedraggled

A direct synonym, implying a neglected or disheveled appearance due to rain or dirt.

sodden

Focuses on the state of being thoroughly soaked or saturated.

muddied

Highlights the presence of mud or dirt.

soaked

Emphasizes the wetness or saturation.

disheveled

Indicates a general lack of tidiness or order.

rumpled

Suggests a creased or wrinkled appearance.

untidy

A general term for lacking neatness or order.

slovenly

Implies carelessness and a lack of concern for one's appearance.

frayed

Suggests wear and tear, particularly in fabric.

wilted

Suggests loss of freshness and drooping.

FAQs

How can I use "draggled" in a sentence?

You can use "draggled" to describe something that is wet, dirty, or in a disheveled state. For example: "After the rainstorm, her dress was completely "draggled", clinging to her legs and covered in mud."

What words are similar to "draggled"?

Similar words include "bedraggled", "sodden", and "disheveled". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "draggled" formal or informal?

"Draggled" is generally considered somewhat informal, best suited for descriptive writing where a more vivid image is desired. Avoid it in formal or professional contexts where precision is paramount.

When is it best to use "draggled" instead of "wet" or "dirty"?

"Draggled" implies more than just wetness or dirtiness; it suggests a state of being weighed down, worn out, and generally unappealing. Use it when you want to evoke a sense of neglect or disarray.