bedraggled

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   wet, dirty, and hanging limply; untidy from exposure to bad weather

   The hikers arrived at the shelter cold and bedraggled after hours of rain.

2. 2
   adj

   worn out, dilapidated, or in a sorry condition

   A bedraggled banner still hung above the abandoned shop.

The past-participial adjective of bedraggle, formed with be- from draggle ("to trail through mud or water"). Its meaning broadened from literally mud-soaked clothing or hair to anything shabby and dispirited-looking.

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