Phrase guide

run someone ragged

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˈɹʌn ˌsʌmwʌn ˈɹæɡɪd/
  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˈɹʌn ˌsʌmwʌn ˈɹæɡəd/
  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -æɡɪd

1

verb

Meaning 1

To exhaust; to demand excessive effort or work from somebody.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • They’ve been running him ragged trying to keep up with the demand for new features.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: beleaguer, exhaust, fatigue, fordo, do for, gas out, get down, jade, knock up, poop, run someone ragged, tire, tire out, wear, wear down, wear out, weary

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From run + ragged (“exhausted, tired, run down”).