Raggedy means torn, worn out, or falling apart, usually from being used hard or for a long time. A raggedy stuffed animal might have patches of fur missing, loose threads hanging off, and a crooked smile where the stitching came undone. A raggedy old shirt has holes in the elbows and a frayed collar. The word suggests something that's been loved or used so much it's starting to come apart at the seams.

You'll often hear raggedy describe clothes, but it can apply to anything that looks shabby or run-down. A raggedy fence has boards missing and paint peeling off. A raggedy notebook has bent corners, doodles everywhere, and pages threatening to fall out. Sometimes people use raggedy to describe someone's appearance when they look messy or disheveled, like after playing outside all afternoon.

The word ragged means almost the same thing but sounds a bit more formal. Raggedy adds a touch of informality or even affection. When you call something raggedy, you might be criticizing it, but you might also be acknowledging its character. That raggedy baseball glove your dad used when he was your age carries memories more valuable than any pristine new one fresh from the store.