scurvy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low FrequencyHistorical/Literary for the noun; Archaic/Literary for the adjective.
Quick answer
What does “scurvy” mean?
A disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, characterized by bleeding gums and the opening of previously healed wounds. (Noun).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, characterized by bleeding gums and the opening of previously healed wounds. (Noun).
Contemptible, mean, or despicable in character. (Adjective).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
The adjective has a distinctly archaic, Shakespearean flavour (e.g., 'a scurvy knave').
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern usage for both senses.
Grammar
How to Use “scurvy” in a Sentence
to suffer from [scurvy] (noun)to be [scurvy] (adjective)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “scurvy” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- That was a scurvy trick to play on an old friend.
American English
- He's nothing but a scurvy politician with no real principles.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical or medical contexts discussing nutrition, naval history, or the Age of Exploration.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used jokingly or in historical reenactment.
Technical
Used in medical and nutritional science to describe the specific condition (scorbutus).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “scurvy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “scurvy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “scurvy”
- Using 'scurvy' as a modern, casual insult (it sounds archaic).
- Confusing the disease 'scurvy' with 'scabies' or other skin conditions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is rare in developed countries due to better nutrition and access to vitamin C, though cases can occur in populations with severely restricted diets.
It would sound very old-fashioned or humorous. Modern synonyms like 'despicable' or 'contemptible' are more natural for serious use.
Scurvy grass (Cochlearia species) is a plant rich in vitamin C. It was historically eaten by sailors to prevent or treat scurvy, hence the name.
Pirates, like all sailors of the Age of Sail, were highly susceptible to scurvy due to months at sea without fresh produce. The stereotypical image of a pirate with bad teeth and gums is partly linked to this disease.
A disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, characterized by bleeding gums and the opening of previously healed wounds. (Noun).
Scurvy is usually historical/literary for the noun; archaic/literary for the adjective. in register.
Scurvy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskɜːvi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskɜːrvi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “scurvy knave/trick/rogue (archaic insult)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a **scurvy** pirate with bleeding gums, eating a lime to cure his **scurvy** behaviour.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL WORTH IS HEALTH (a 'scurvy' person is morally diseased/unhealthy).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts would the word 'scurvy' (as an adjective) be LEAST appropriate?