washed-up

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, the original Clayface was a washed-up actor turned criminal who first appeared in a 1940 issue of “Detective Comics.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Nominated for seven Oscars, Duvall won best actor in 1983 for playing a washed-up country singer in Tender Mercies.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

In Hoboken: Playing a washed-up boxer, Marlon Brando declares, “I could have been a contender,” in “On the Waterfront.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

Duvall won his Academy Award in 1983 for playing a washed-up country singer in "Tender Mercies."

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

I count my lucky stars—that is, I’m reminded again that there is some luck to be had, even for a washed-up hustler like me.

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz