worn-out 1 of 2

Definition of worn-outnext

worn out

2 of 2

verb

past participle of wear out

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 worn-out
Adjective
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 Right now his voice is worn-out just in time for a succession of financially unskippable tour dates. Marc Hogan, The Atlantic, 1 Mar. 2024 Revive Old Furniture: Give a new lease of life to old and worn-out furniture by applying a fresh coat of Chalk Mineral Paint. Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Financial viability is actually a very tired and worn-out excuse. Hari Srinivasan, Fortune, 27 July 2023
Verb
Professors, too, have been worn out by the grading nightmare. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025 And many of her makeup looks are not really designed to be worn out to a party, as the prosthetics can get pretty hot and sometimes even impair her visibility. Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025 His heart, mended to pieces, had just worn out. Joy Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 The cushions are high quality and provide stable support for years, while the covers are plenty sturdy enough to be washed frequently without looking worn out. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025 If your workwear drawer is filled with old, worn out clothes, now’s the time to gear up. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025 Clean and sleek, they can be worn while sightseeing, thanks to their next-level support and cushioning, but are classy enough to be worn out to dinner. Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025 Replace any weather stripping that is torn, brittle, or worn out. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025 Hickey / Getty Images Quarterback Daniel Jones had essentially worn out his welcome with the New York Giants by November of last year. Christian Orozco, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worn-out
Adjective
  • The first turned a fourth-quarter fumble into a 59-yard score when Achane burst through a tired, and seemingly defeated Buffalo defensive front and outsprinted the Bills’ entire secondary to the end zone.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025
  • But that feels like a tired, outdated characterisation.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Nearly every panel of the shoe is tattered and torn, including a heel seam that’s coming undone and reveals the inner cork components of the shoe.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2025
  • By the end of the summer my catalogs were tattered and worn.
    Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This black dress was particularly designed to be worn in the moonlight.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2026
  • In the sister-sister pic, Kidman’s strawberry-blonde hair is parted in the center and worn in long ringlets down her back, looking gorgeous against her chartreuse lace dress and delicate pink blush and lipstick.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Two shivering dogs now sat in her backseat, exhausted but safe.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Surely that has increasing resonance among the politically exhausted and spiritually disenchanted.
    Abby McCloskey, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • My breath is nervous and ragged but my will determined.
    Vanita Salisbury, AFAR Media, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The result is a ragged primal scream of a film — not a cry for help, but rather, a bellow of maternal rage.
    Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Investigators also found eight 9 mm casings fired from a Glock pistol at the scene where Holmes was killed, according to the affidavit.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Several districts in Kyiv were hit in the attack and an emergency medical aid worker was among those killed, according to Kyiv City Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The show is a humorous, achingly accurate portrayal of two weary immigrant women who’ve seen the shiny promise of a better life wear off quick.
    Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Nevertheless, most inflation-weary Americans are upset with the economy because the cumulative effect of higher prices have been wreaking havoc on the economy for the past five years – not because of tariffs, specifically.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The styling trick works even with an outfit that leans as grunge as this, with ballooning black cargo pants, a muted flannel, and a faded black tee.
    Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Worn-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worn-out. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

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