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Definitions

worn-out

[wawrn-out, wohrn-] / ˈwɔrnˈaʊt, ˈwoʊrn- /
ADJECTIVE
exhausted
Synonyms
STRONG
exhausted
WEAK
dead depleted destroyed drained effete etiolated frayed hackneyed impaired passé shabby shot spent stale tattered threadbare tired trite used useless
Antonyms
WEAK
fresh unused
ADJECTIVE
overused
Synonyms
STRONGEST
battered crumbling decaying dilapidated run-down worn
WEAK
broken-down decrepit deteriorated falling apart falling down in disrepair in ruins overused ramshackle the worse for wear used

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.

But any film that hinges on its cast to prop up a worn-out narrative should be approached with suspicion, if approached at all.

From Salon • Jan. 4, 2026

Derenne noticed some sagging on the roof and worn-out shingles during their first showing at the house the Johnsons ended up buying.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 12, 2025

"By then, the worn-out and considerably degraded glaciers will 'recouple' to the steadily warming atmosphere, sealing their fate," says Shaw.

From Science Daily • Oct. 26, 2025

Their only shelter is a worn-out plastic tent, with no chairs or beds.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2025

Soon he emerged, holding a flickering tallow candle in one hand, and a worn-out Stetson hat in the other.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane