Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

(the) worse for wear

idiom
See What's Trending Now See More Trending Words

Definition of (the) worse for wear

: in worse condition after doing or experiencing something
  • He came out of basic training only slightly the worse for wear.
  • The kids emerged from the woods looking none the worse for wear.

Word by Word Definitions

worse play

  1. : comparative of bad

  2. : or of ill

  3. : of more inferior quality, value, or condition

  1. : one that is worse

  1. : comparative of bad

  2. : or badly

  3. : or of ill

See the full definition of worse
wear play

  1. : to bear or have on the person

  2. : to use habitually for clothing, adornment, or assistance

  3. : to carry on the person

  1. : the act of wearing : the state of being worn : use

  2. : clothing or an article of clothing usually of a particular kind

  3. : fashion, vogue

See the full definition of wear

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up (the) worse for wear? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

slew

play

a large number

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. symbiote 'an organism living in symbiosis'

  2. charlatan 'faker or fraud'

  3. lowlife 'a person of low moral character'

  4. kakistocracy 'government by the worst people'

  5. slimeball 'a morally repulsive or odious person'

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

alt-5adf93a49b0b2
The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

"In point" only lives in this phrase.

alt-5adf5d017e6bf
‘Sleight’ or ‘Slight’ of Hand?

Watch closely and be amazed.

alt-5ade0f1ca7a0c
'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

The distinction is clear (now).

image236659401
Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

When English borrows from another alphabet

Ask the Editors

image1760257654
2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

video-title-words-of-the-year-1066
Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

video-literally
Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

video-his-or-her
Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

image1926873504
Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

Take the quiz
cats-on-impossible-timber
More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

Take the quiz
Name That Thing
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

Take the quiz
Dictionary Devil
Dictionary Devil

The dictionary has been scrambled—can you put it back together?

Play the game