timeworn

adjective

time·​worn ˈtīm-ˌwȯrn 

1

: worn or impaired by time

timeworn mansions

2

a

: age-old, ancient

timeworn procedures

b

: hackneyed entry 1, stale

a timeworn joke

Synonyms of timeworn

• dilapidated
• neglected

Examples of timeworn in a Sentence

a timeworn sweater with holes in the sleeves

The houses on the street are all timeworn and badly in need of repair.

He gave us the same timeworn speech about the need to work hard.

Recent Examples on the Web

Old tools and household items can often be repurposed—and their timeworn look is part of the appeal. — Abbie Harrison, Martha Stewart, 24 Aug. 2026

Blaming disruption on outsiders is a timeworn strategy to distinguish between us (good) and them (bad), but in fact the majority of people who the NYPD arrested in April 2024 had the correct credentials. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 19 Aug. 2026

In these works, Parsons moved away from saturated color and unlikely optical combinations to timeworn things, quietly acknowledging aging and the desire to make something that endures. — John Yau, ARTnews.com, 24 July 2026

Reviews on social media document a litany of complaints, beginning with the timeworn look. — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for timeworn

• peppercorn
• unicorn
• waterborne
• winterbourne
• adorn
• airborne
• blackthorn
• broomcorn
• buckhorn
• buckthorn
• careworn
• firstborn