adj

ragtag

Ragtag (adj) means Made up of a disorganised, mismatched mix of people or things. Example: “A ragtag group of volunteers kept the shelter running.”

adj

Made up of a disorganised, mismatched mix of people or things.

"A ragtag group of volunteers kept the shelter running."

How to use ragtag

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishScruffy and mismatched, but often used with a bit of affection for an unlikely, unpolished team.

Common pairings

a ragtag bunch a ragtag army ragtag crew

Word forms

more ragtag comparative, ragtags plural, most ragtag superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ group of volunteers kept the shelter running.

Etymology

From the older phrase "tag and rag," combining "rag" and "tag" to describe a disorderly mixed crowd.

Frequently asked questions

What does “ragtag” mean?

The word “ragtag” means made up of a disorganised, mismatched mix of people or things. In plain terms, scruffy and mismatched, but often used with a bit of affection for an unlikely, unpolished team.

How do you use “ragtag” in a sentence?

Here is “ragtag” used in a sentence: “A ragtag group of volunteers kept the shelter running.”

What part of speech is “ragtag”?

“Ragtag” is an adjective.

What is the meaning of ragtag?

"ragtag" (adj) means made up of a disorganised, mismatched mix of people or things.