Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

bedraggled

[bih-drag-uhld] / bɪˈdræg əld /
ADJECTIVE
unkempt
Synonyms
STRONGEST
disheveled run down seedy threadbare untidy
STRONG
dilapidated dirty disordered drenched dripping faded muddied muddy soiled stained sullied wet
WEAK
decrepit dowdy messy shabby sloppy slovenly sodden tacky tattered
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fresh neat orderly tidy
STRONG
clean

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for bedraggled?
The verbs draggle and bedraggle mean to soil something, such as a piece of clothing, by dragging it over damp ground or in mud. The adjective bedraggled is quite specific—it means dirty and limp due to having been dragged in this way. The words soiled and sullied are often used to mean the same thing. A word specific to being made dirty by mud is muddied. A more general word is dirtied. A milder and even less specific term is untidy. Something, such as a reputation, could be described as bedraggled in a figurative sense to mean that it has been besmirched or tarnished.
What is the opposite (antonym) of bedraggled?
The opposite of something that’s bedraggled is something that’s been carefully kept clean. Perhaps the best antonyms are immaculate and spotless (both of which can be used in literal and figurative ways).  
How do you use bedraggled in a sentence?
Bedraggled is a fun word, but it’s not used very often. Here are some examples of bedraggled in a sentence:
  • The bottom of his long cloak was bedraggled after constantly dipping into puddles.
  • The kids came back from their walk on the muddy path completely bedraggled.
  • The bedraggled reputation of the mayor could not be laundered after yet another scandal.
What part of speech is bedraggled?
Bedraggled can be a verb or an adjective depending on how it’s being used. It comes from the past tense of the verb bedraggle.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bedraggled and bleeding, he opens his eyes to find Anna ministering to him and is rhapsodically smitten.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 14, 2025

Trope: Man on desert island: Bedraggled castaway is playing solitaire.

From Washington Post • Jan. 21, 2021

Bedraggled and abused as they are, our downtowns do work.

From Time Magazine Archive

Bedraggled and mud-soaked, footsore and soul-worn, the first planeload of Hungarian refugees debarked into the crisp free air of New Jersey.

From Time Magazine Archive

Bedraggled, in dirty party clothes, her hair stuck to her fece, she was still stunning.

From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld

Vocabulary lists containing bedraggled

Surviving Hitler

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Raining Cats and Dogs

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Uglies

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "bedraggled" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com