frayed

1 of 2

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

frayed

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of fray entry 2, fray entry 4

Synonyms of frayed

Adjective

• tattered
• ragged
• faded

Examples of frayed in a Sentence

Adjective

she wore a beloved but badly frayed flannel shirt

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The pre-frayed hem on these stretchy flare jeans gives them a cool, Y2K feel. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026

Susan Sherren, founder of Couture Trips, said flight attendants and gate agents are just fellow humans with frayed nerves. — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026

Her choice has a similar frayed edge to the Quince version, which is made from 100-percent linen for a lightweight and breathable layer that even works in warmer weather. — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026

To say my hair looked frayed and hay-like would be an insult to hay. — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for frayed

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