Synonyms of worn-outnext
: exhausted or used up by or as if by wear

Examples of worn-out in a Sentence

worn-out tourists heading back to their hotel after a hard day of sightseeing used a worn-out T-shirt for dusting the furniture
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Characterized by their faded or worn-out effect, as if their original color had been lightened by washing, these beloved jeans stand out for their vintage and carefree air. Mayte Salido, Glamour, 4 Jan. 2026 Palestinians have long called for mobile homes and caravans to be allowed in to protect them against living in impractical and worn-out tents. Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026 By contrast, the U.S. Air Force has only 16 serviceable AWACS, and these are the nearly obsolete and badly worn-out E-3G Sentry. Justin Bronk, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2025 But faulty or worn-out tubes can result in water spewing onto sidewalks, Choltko explains. Yvette Fernandez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2025 Enduring a week’s worth of cold water plunges can jolt the body’s cells into starting the process of autophagy to clean up and recycle old, worn-out, and broken parts, according to a new study. New Atlas, 31 Mar. 2025 Balenciaga, too, offered its takes on tailoring, opening its maze-like runway with slim, simple suits — some hand-creased, others worn-out — that felt less provocative than its usual offerings. Alice Pfeiffer, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025 Most recently, my lack of preparation has left me with a minimal and worn-out rotation of winter travel clothes — a major dilemma, considering there are several weeks left of frigid temperatures ahead of me. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025 Look for Bait Spawns and Insect Hatches As the bass spawn wraps up, numerous shallow food sources become plentiful for the weary and worn-out bass coming off the beds. Shaye Baker, Field & Stream, 6 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of worn-out was in 1612

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Cite this Entry

“Worn-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worn-out. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

worn-out

adjective
ˈwō(ə)r-ˈnau̇t
ˈwȯ(ə)r-
1
: useless from long or hard wear
worn-out skates
2
: very weary
worn-out shoppers

More from Merriam-Webster on worn-out

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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