as in exhausted
depleted in strength, energy, or freshness
I'm absolutely knackered, so no pub-crawling for me tonight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of knackered
Or at least see the knock-on effects on knackered players during the new domestic season?
—
Tim Spiers, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
The bones of knackered cattle in the glue that held his antique books together.
—Daisy Hildyard, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024
And, if their knees get too knackered, there’s a backup Santa.
—Washington Post, 22 Nov. 2021
The adrenaline from having our first child (and keeping him alive) got me through the first several days without feeling completely knackered, but my lack of nocturnal restoration eventually took its toll.
—Patrick Wilson, Outside Online, 15 June 2020
Tim Spiers, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
The bones of knackered cattle in the glue that held his antique books together.
—Daisy Hildyard, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024
And, if their knees get too knackered, there’s a backup Santa.
—Washington Post, 22 Nov. 2021
The adrenaline from having our first child (and keeping him alive) got me through the first several days without feeling completely knackered, but my lack of nocturnal restoration eventually took its toll.
—Patrick Wilson, Outside Online, 15 June 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knackered
Adjective
-
Families are still overwhelmed and caregivers are still exhausted, and far too many conversations are still happening too late.—
Alex Rizo,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Why tire himself out, become completely exhausted and out of breath, crumple up the bedsheets that were changed just a few days ago, get someone else’s germs all over himself, and then reek of sweat afterward?—
Agnieszka Szpila,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
They have been seen directing snaking security lines and passing out water bottles to tired travelers.—
Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Step in when someone’s tired or needs a break.—
Chris John Amorosino,
Hartford Courant,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knackered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knackered. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
