in tatters
idiom
: clothes that are old and badly torn
They were dressed in tatters.
—often used figurativelyAfter the war, the economy was in tatters.
Her hopes lay in tatters.
Examples of in tatters in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This is the second time in just over a year that a surprise attack in the rural farming community has left scores dead and livelihoods in tatters.
—
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 1 Dec. 2025
The country’s food safety net — already in tatters — has been grievously abused.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 14 Nov. 2025
The attempt to leave your stamp on this landmark antiheroine leaves you in tatters or elevates you to God-tier status.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2025
Dramatic photos of the demolition work showed construction equipment tearing into the East Wing façade and windows and other building parts in tatters on the ground.
—Darlene Superville, Twin Cities, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in tatters
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 1 Dec. 2025
The country’s food safety net — already in tatters — has been grievously abused.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 14 Nov. 2025
The attempt to leave your stamp on this landmark antiheroine leaves you in tatters or elevates you to God-tier status.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2025
Dramatic photos of the demolition work showed construction equipment tearing into the East Wing façade and windows and other building parts in tatters on the ground.
—Darlene Superville, Twin Cities, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in tatters
Cite this Entry
“In tatters.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20tatters. Accessed 25 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share