(the) worse for wear

phrase

: 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.

Examples of (the) worse for wear in a Sentence

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McCallister returned later in the first half with a bright orange wrap on her thigh and looked no worse for wear. — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026 In between are a bunch of mongrel appliances that leave both humans and technology worse for wear, like a computer, in a 2024 photo by Sara Deraedt, that seems to be giving birth to a wet child. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026 Silicone Craft Series Utensil Set with Stoneware Crock If your cooking utensils are looking worse for wear, Le Creuset has an effortless upgrade. — Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2026 Through their coursework the novice watchmakers study the design and machinery behind Rolex watches, and learn how to repair those that are worse for wear. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for (the) worse for wear

Browse Nearby Words

the worm turns

(the) worse for wear

the worst

See all Nearby Words

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“(the) worse for wear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/%28the%29%20worse%20for%20wear. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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