worn-out 1 of 2

Definition of worn-outnext

worn out

2 of 2

verb

past participle of wear out

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of worn-out
Adjective
Damaged, worn-out, or expired things get thrown away, items in good condition that thrift stores are looking for can be donated, and holiday items, decor, heirlooms, and duplicates can go into storage. Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 29 June 2026 In case the appliance is old, the loose or worn-out parts may be to blame. Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 12 May 2026 Rentals tend to be shabby and worn-out, so choosing a home with the latest and greatest felt like a way to make the experience hassle-free. Jason Fried, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2026 Characterized by their faded or worn-out effect, as if their original color had been lightened by washing, these beloved jeans stand out for their vintage and carefree air. Mayte Salido, Glamour, 4 Jan. 2026 Palestinians have long called for mobile homes and caravans to be allowed in to protect them against living in impractical and worn-out tents. Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026 How cancer starts Cells produce more cells to grow, replace older or worn-out cells or to repair damaged tissues. Julie Phillippi, The Conversation, 21 July 2025 Balenciaga, too, offered its takes on tailoring, opening its maze-like runway with slim, simple suits — some hand-creased, others worn-out — that felt less provocative than its usual offerings. Alice Pfeiffer, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025 Most recently, my lack of preparation has left me with a minimal and worn-out rotation of winter travel clothes — a major dilemma, considering there are several weeks left of frigid temperatures ahead of me. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
When Starmer took office, Britain was worn out by the Conservative program of austerity. Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 22 June 2026 Use that seasonal swap to toss anything worn out and replace genuine gaps, rather than shopping for the sake of it. Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026 Somehow, more than 30 years later, Buzz and Woody haven't worn out their welcome. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 June 2026 It’s never been easier to find a simple dress that can be accessorized to fit any number of highly-specific themes (and worn out for drinks the weekend after). Aemilia Madden, Vogue, 10 June 2026 The starters, who’d played heavy minutes all season, were worn out by the Pacers’ speed, depth, and physicality, and after the series the Knicks fired Thibodeau despite his relative success. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 7 June 2026 When one of those components becomes blocked, worn out, or damaged, excess friction and heat can develop, and a burning odor can be released. Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 5 June 2026 If your everyday bra is worn out, replace it with this scalloped bra that provides padded support — without uncomfortable underwire that digs and pokes. Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026 Traveling even to a different Strip hotel could be bewildering, so tourists worn out by a day of wandering, people-watching and drinking didn’t seem to mind mediocre restaurants, content to stumble off to bed after a few turns at the tables. Winston Ross, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worn-out
Adjective
  • Depredation occurs when a shark steals an angler’s catch off their line, and Florida’s fishers are tired of it.
    Kairi Lowery, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • Pugh is tired of seeing her mom suffer by no fault of her own.
    Bryant Reed, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • There was a phone book, camera film canisters, metal pins, the tattered remains of a baseball cap and an orange t-shirt with the outline of a giant thumbs up.
    Rylan DiGiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026
  • His main challenge will be to overcome Starmer's inability to deliver promised economic growth, repair tattered public services and ease the cost of living.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • The yellow wasn’t just worn by fans cheering Colombia, as Ghana supporters also have that color.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • Although the country's flag is red and white, the team has worn shades of blue since the 1930s, according to reports.
    Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • But Eustaquio moved — likely exhausted — in union with his team towards South Africa’s box.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 29 June 2026
  • Back-to-back overnights left Greenwald exhausted and depressed.
    Melanie Thernstrom, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • This leaves ragged and bruised leaf tips behind that quickly turn brown and are more susceptible to disease.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 June 2026
  • His hushed, ragged whisper feels suitably weathered, fitting a collection of songs that never are in a hurry.
    Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Historians estimate that the North American epidemic killed at least 100,000 to 130,000 people over several years.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Wednesday marked one year since an explosion at a Northern California fireworks facility killed seven workers and changed the lives of their families forever.
    Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • And ever since, ships full of travelers, weary from long journeys, have passed through the narrows, the winds of the Atlantic at their backs.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
  • As America turns 250, the semiquincentennial feels like a dud — a far cry from 1976’s bicentennial blowout, when pop culture and communal celebrations united a weary nation.
    Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Directed by Son Jae-gon and starring Gang Dong-won, Uhm Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun, the film tracks a faded first-generation K-pop co-ed dance trio making a reckless attempt to stage a comeback two decades after a plagiarism scandal dissolved their careers.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 June 2026
  • The one difference was a new layer of red bricks over the faded previous layer.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Worn-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worn-out. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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