worn-out 1 of 2

adjective

ˈwȯrn-ˈau̇t How to pronounce worn-out (audio)
Definition of worn-outnext
1
as in tired
depleted in strength, energy, or freshness worn-out tourists heading back to their hotel after a hard day of sightseeing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tattered
worn or torn into or as if into rags used a worn-out T-shirt for dusting the furniture

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

worn out

2 of 2

verb

past participle of wear out
as in worn
to use up all the physical energy of keeping up with twin toddlers wears me out

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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 worn-out
Adjective
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 How cancer starts Cells produce more cells to grow, replace older or worn-out cells or to repair damaged tissues. — Julie Phillippi, The Conversation, 21 July 2025
Verb
Somehow, more than 30 years later, Buzz and Woody haven't worn out their welcome. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 June 2026 It’s never been easier to find a simple dress that can be accessorized to fit any number of highly-specific themes (and worn out for drinks the weekend after). — Aemilia Madden, Vogue, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for worn-out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worn-out
  1. tired
  2. tattered
  3. worn
  4. exhausted
  5. ragged
  6. killed
  7. weary
  8. faded
Adjective
  • The brand is winning over tired consumers who already reach for something sweet before bed by combining the comfort of a late-night treat with ingredients designed to support a better sleep routine.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026
  • Some get the number of dollars tied to their age (this used to be the case for Ollie and his brother, Owen, until their mom, Rebecca, got tired of them fighting over their disparate payouts) and others much more.
    — Erika Janes, Curbed, 17 July 2026
Definition of tired
Adjective
  • The trailer finds the film’s protagonists alternately hunting or fleeing the vicious creature — or creatures — through a tattered town known as Hope Harbor, a remote coastal village near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in South Korea.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2026
  • There was a phone book, camera film canisters, metal pins, the tattered remains of a baseball cap and an orange t-shirt with the outline of a giant thumbs up.
    — Rylan DiGiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026
Definition of tattered
Verb
  • His arms are outstretched and his shirt, worn like a jacket over a T-shirt, billows behind him as if blown by an invisible wind.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026
  • This suggests that the majority of running shoes are worn for walking and everyday life by people who just want to be comfortable.
    — Scott Douglas, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
Definition of worn
Adjective
  • Dozens of people had spent almost a year living outside, filthy and exhausted, and for what?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
  • Great Magnificent Mile location for exploring the city, and a cosseting base to retreat to when exhausted.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
Definition of exhausted
Adjective
  • After a poor show against the Springboks, England was under pressure to avoid a sixth straight test defeat for the first time in 20 years and beat Fiji, which ran Wales ragged last weekend but was overcome in the set-pieces.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
  • This leaves ragged and bruised leaf tips behind that quickly turn brown and are more susceptible to disease.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 June 2026
Definition of ragged
Verb
  • An Iranian missile and drone attack has killed nine fighters of an Iranian-Kurdish group based in neighboring Iraq, according to an official from the group.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • The defense attorneys argued Harris fired the first shots that killed Payton friend Turner and set off the barrage that led to the deaths of bystanders Martinez, Alexander, and Davis.
    — Darrell Smith July 16, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of killed
Adjective
  • American trade associations, too, found fault with the duty hike, both because of its regressive impact on diversification efforts and its potential impact on inflation-weary American consumers.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 17 July 2026
  • There’s something thrilling about standing on the battleground that led to a turning point in the American Civil War, or imagining Abraham Lincoln delivering his famous Gettysburg Address to war-weary soldiers.
    — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026
Definition of weary
Adjective
  • Eric_Lynxweiler | Courtesy of Latinos in Heritage Conservation The Silver Platter, with its faded crimson awning along a stretch in Los Angeles’ Westlake District, doesn’t look like much from the outside.
    — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • The faded fabric, buttery-soft cotton, and contrast-trim neckline lend it a vintage vibe that won’t look out of place when paired with more contemporary pieces.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 28 June 2026
Definition of faded

Browse Nearby Words

worn on
worn-out
worn out
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Cite this Entry

“Worn-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worn-out. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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