frayed

adjective

ˈfrād 

1

: worn or shredded at the ends or edges

frayed jeans

A long line of scared-looking first years entered, led by Professor McGonagall, who was carrying a stool on which sat an ancient wizard's hat, heavily patched and darned with a wide rip near the frayed brim.

—J. K. Rowling

2

: damaged, weakened, or worn down by strain or irritation

frayed nerves/tempers

He vanished underground for a time, and when he reappeared he had retired from pimping. But he was still dealing drugs, and in his frayed state he was losing his half-step edge on the law.

—Peter Goldman

The draconian measures drew widespread condemnation in Europe and further strained the already frayed relations between Pretoria and Washington …

—Mark Whitaker

Synonyms

• tattered
• ragged
• faded

Examples of frayed in a Sentence

she wore a beloved but badly frayed flannel shirt

Recent Examples on the Web

Photo: New York Magazine Bartsch leads the pack, dancing on a speaker (her favorite spot), wearing cutoff shorts, white leggings, red suspenders, and a frayed and cropped jean jacket with holes in the shoulders. —Amy Virshup, Vulture, 14 May 2025

After years of hostile and frayed relations, Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to reestablish diplomatic ties and reopen mutual embassies – a deal reportedly brokered by China that has raised eyebrows across the globe. —Caitlin McFall, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for frayed

• afraid
• allayed
• arcade
• arrayed
• assayed
• barmaid
• betrayed
• blockade
• bridesmaid
• brigade
• brocade
• buffeted