Definition

Having more roughness or being less clean than something else; often used to describe something that is not well-groomed or tidy.

Example

The garden looked scrubbier than it did last year after the heavy rains.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Have you seen my old sneakers? They look so much scrubbier than I remember.

Yeah, they definitely need a good cleaning!

I guess it's time to finally scrub them down.

Or maybe just buy a new pair if they’re too scrubbier to save!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Scrubbier → It is formed from "scrub" (from Middle English *scrubben*, meaning to clean or rub) and the comparative suffix "-ier" (meaning more). The word "scrubbier" means more scrubbed or cleaner than something else.

Memory Tip

Think of the act of 'cleaning' ('scrub') and how 'more' ('-ier') of that action makes something 'scrubbier'.

Visually Confused Words