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basket case

noun

Definition of basket case

1 :a person who has all four limbs amputated
2 :a person who is mentally incapacitated or worn out (as from nervous tension); also :one that is not functioning well or is in a run-down condition
  • an economic basket case

See basket case defined for English-language learners

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Examples of basket case in a Sentence

  1. I was so worried about losing my job that I was a complete basket case.

  2. a business that was once very successful but is now a financial basket case

First Known Use of basket case

1919

BASKET CASE Defined for English Language Learners

basket case

noun

Definition of basket case for English Language Learners

  • : a person who is very nervous, tired, etc., and is not able to think or act normally

  • : something (such as a company or a government) that is in very bad condition and close to failure

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Examples: basket case in a Sentence