adjective
frowzy
FROW-zee/ˈfraʊzi/
Shabby or unkempt in appearance.
The man looks frowzy in his rumpled clothes, his hair uncombed.
Etymology
No secure root is known. A possible relative is dialectal frowsty, meaning “having an unpleasant smell,” but that word’s origin is also unknown.
More examples
- She changes out of her frowzy pajamas before answering the door.
- After the overnight flight, we all look a little frowzy.
- The faded curtains give the room a frowzy appearance.
Forms
frowzy
Similar words
- unkempt
- Emphasizes a lack of grooming or regular care.
- shabby
- Emphasizes wear and poor condition rather than untidiness.
- disheveled
- Emphasizes messy hair or clothing, often from temporary disruption.