adj
scabby
SKAB-ee
Scabby (adj) means Covered in scabs, or affected by a skin condition that causes them. Example: “The dog's scabby ears needed a trip to the vet.”
adj
1
Covered in scabs, or affected by a skin condition that causes them.
"The dog's scabby ears needed a trip to the vet."
2
Informal: shabby, mean, or of poor quality.
"He complained about the scabby wages the company paid."
How to use scabby
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiterally covered in scabs, or informally used to mean cheap, mean, or unpleasant.
When to use it
The informal "cheap/mean" sense is mostly British slang.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Comparative
- scabbier
- Superlative
- scabbiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The dog's _____ ears needed a trip to the vet.
Etymology
From "scab" plus the adjective ending "-y"; a doublet of "shabby," which comes from the same root.
Related words
Rhymes for scabby
See all rhymes for scabby →Frequently asked questions
What does “scabby” mean?
The word “scabby” means covered in scabs, or affected by a skin condition that causes them. In plain terms, literally covered in scabs, or informally used to mean cheap, mean, or unpleasant.
How do you pronounce “scabby”?
“Scabby” is pronounced SKAB-ee (/ˈskæb.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “scabby” in a sentence?
Here is “scabby” used in a sentence: “The dog's scabby ears needed a trip to the vet.”
What is another word for “scabby”?
Words with a similar meaning to “scabby” include scabrous, roynish, scabrate, scabrid, scald and scalled.
What is the opposite of “scabby”?
The opposite of “scabby” — its antonyms — is smooth.
What part of speech is “scabby”?
“Scabby” is an adjective.
How many meanings does “scabby” have?
“Scabby” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: covered in scabs, or affected by a skin condition that causes them.
