adj

scrawny

SKRAW-nee

Scrawny (adj) means Unattractively thin, often to the point of looking undernourished. Example: “The scrawny stray cat looked like it hadn't eaten in days.”

adj

Unattractively thin, often to the point of looking undernourished.

"The scrawny stray cat looked like it hadn't eaten in days."

How to use scrawny

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThin in an unhealthy, weak-looking way.

Common mistake

Scrawny has a negative, unflattering tone; slim or slender describe thinness more neutrally or positively.

Easily confused with

slender → skinny →

Word forms

scrawnier comparative, scrawniest superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

The _____ stray cat looked like it hadn't eaten in days.

Etymology

A variant of an old dialect word, scranny, meaning \"lean\" or \"of poor quality,\" possibly from a Scandinavian root meaning \"rubbish\" or \"shrivelled.\"

Antonyms

heavy obese large overweight strapping

Related words

great big small important large light river wide

Rhymes for scrawny

tawny

See all rhymes for scrawny →

Frequently asked questions

What does “scrawny” mean?

The word “scrawny” means unattractively thin, often to the point of looking undernourished. In plain terms, thin in an unhealthy, weak-looking way.

How do you pronounce “scrawny”?

“Scrawny” is pronounced SKRAW-nee (/ˈskɹɔni/ in IPA).

How do you use “scrawny” in a sentence?

Here is “scrawny” used in a sentence: “The scrawny stray cat looked like it hadn't eaten in days.”

What is the opposite of “scrawny”?

The opposite of “scrawny” — its antonyms — are heavy, obese, large, overweight and strapping.

What part of speech is “scrawny”?

“Scrawny” is an adjective.

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