groggy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'groggy' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of being sluggish or disoriented after a period of sleep. For example, "I woke up feeling groggy after getting just a few hours of sleep."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the past five years its economy has grown perkily, at an average of 2.8% a year, a whisker faster than Britain's and far more bouncily than groggy Germany's (1.8%) or messy Italy's (2%).

The Economist

It may be that those who have a tendency to wake up groggy are choosing not to siesta in the first place.

The Economist

Crack cocaine seems to be linked to domestic violence, marijuana makes workers groggy, no drug is good for motorists.

The Economist

It may be that those who awake groggy choose not to siesta in the first place.

The Economist

Groggy with ether, nauseous with the rocking of the boat, he could dimly feel that weights had been attached to his legs.

The Economist

It makes you groggy when you should be alert.

The Economist

The pilot must not be too groggy if he has to swing suddenly into action.

The Economist

Russian has a word for "sleeping too much", perespat', which doesn't mean oversleeping and missing your appointment there's a word for that too, prospat' but actually sleeping more than you should have and feeling groggy in the morning.

The Economist

Then, as he lies still groggy after surgery, a squad of London policemen barge into his hospital room to deliver an arrest warrant issued at the behest of some pesky Spanish magistrate.

The Economist

So why has there not been much effect on retail sales, or indeed on economic growth?In America a tax rebate landed in people's bank accounts in May and acted like a dose of smelling salts on a groggy bruiser.

The Economist

I was a bit groggy by this time, but I distinctly remember some bits of cinefilm, all smeary and over-exposed, and I think he belted me with several of those arty portrait shots - where the interviewee stands very still so you can't be quite sure whether it's a photograph or not.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's state after waking up, use "groggy" to effectively convey their initial disorientation and reduced awareness. For instance, "He stumbled out of bed, still groggy from sleep."

Common error

While "groggy" effectively conveys a state of impaired alertness, avoid using it excessively in conjunction with other similar descriptors like "tired" or "drowsy". Choose the single most fitting word for impact. For example, instead of "He was tired and groggy", simply say "He was groggy".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "groggy" primarily functions as a descriptive word, modifying nouns to indicate a state of impaired alertness or physical weakness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and the examples demonstrate its role in portraying a temporary condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "groggy" functions as an adjective indicating a state of being dazed or weakened. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is commonly used in news and media, as well as various other contexts, to describe someone's state after waking up, experiencing illness, or being under the influence of medication. Consider using synonyms like "dazed" or "lethargic" for variety, but avoid redundancy with other descriptors to maintain clarity. Remember that while the word is mostly associated with "neutral" settings, you can also find it in personal scenarios too.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dazed

Implies a state of confusion and disorientation, often following a shock or impact.

lethargic

Describes a state of sluggishness, inactivity, and reduced energy.

sleepy

Characterizes the feeling of needing or being ready to sleep.

sluggish

Indicates slow movement, reaction, or functioning.

out of it

Informal expression meaning not fully aware or alert.

foggy-headed

Describes a lack of mental clarity and focus.

befuddled

Suggests confusion and perplexity.

disoriented

Refers to a loss of awareness of time, place, or identity.

woozy

Describes a feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or near faintness.

stuporous

Implies a state of near-unconsciousness or reduced responsiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "groggy" in a sentence?

You can use "groggy" to describe a state of being dazed, weak, or not fully alert, often after sleep or due to illness. For example, "I felt groggy after the surgery", or "She was still groggy from the sleeping pills".

What are some synonyms for "groggy"?

Some synonyms for "groggy" include "dazed", "lethargic", "sleepy", "sluggish", and "out of it". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What causes someone to feel "groggy"?

Feeling "groggy" can be caused by various factors including lack of sleep, jet lag, medication side effects, illness, or the aftereffects of anesthesia. It generally indicates a temporary impairment of mental or physical function.

Is it correct to say someone is "groggy" in the morning?

Yes, it's common and correct to describe someone as "groggy" in the morning, especially if they are having difficulty waking up fully or are experiencing "sleep inertia". It accurately conveys the feeling of being partially awake and disoriented.