Main Entry: thread·bare

Pronunciation: \ˈthred-ˌber\

Function: adjective

Date: 14th century

1 a : having the nap worn off so that the thread shows : shabby <threadbare clothes> b : wearing threadbare clothing : very poor <took in threadbare relatives — Russell Baker> c : barely adequate because of cheapness or shabbiness <a threadbare production>
2 : exhausted of interest or freshness

synonyms see trite

— thread·bare·ness noun