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
Rentals tend to be shabby and worn-out, so choosing a home with the latest and greatest felt like a way to make the experience hassle-free. Jason Fried, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2026 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 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 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
Verb
Recent Pew Research Center polling said just over half of Americans feel worn out by news. Stacey Barchenger, AZCentral.com, 1 Apr. 2026 To reinvigorate Kerr, who has appeared worn out at times this season, and who is working without a contract extension. Sports Columnist, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Apr. 2026 He was worn out from that camp. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026 Similar robotics companies have already worn out their welcome in other US cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, as their delivery bots hog sidewalks, injure residents, and rampage through gardens. Joe Wilkins Published Mar 19, Futurism, 19 Mar. 2026 By the time that question is posed, however, the device has worn out its welcome, reiterating the basic fact of the academic’s desire over and over again without complications or narrative advancement. Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026 After this weekend, when the Producers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild hand out their highly predictive precursors, the final shape of the Oscar race should be (reasonably) clear — and nominees worn out by months of campaigning will be breathing a sigh of relief. Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026 If your utensils have worn out their welcome, swap them with these non-toxic tools to cook without worries. Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026 Veterans worn out by last game In this three-team, four-quarter format, someone from Game 3 was always going to have to play in back-to-back games in the title matchup. David K. Li, NBC news, 16 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worn-out
Adjective
  • If tired, float or tread water until out of the rip current.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Music lovers tired of paying hundreds of dollars to see big-name acts may be getting some relief.
    Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Many wore tattered flip-flops or shoes that offered little protection.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026
  • This fresh take on the tattered monster is startlingly personal for Cronin, with some of the movie’s nastiest images and ideas rooted in his real grief.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • They will then be worn in a three-game series against Minnesota that begins on Friday.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • There were video essays and news items dedicated to whether Nate would buy, or could even afford, a shirt worn by Kate Moss on the runway.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Households would receive a maximum credit of $5,000 per year until all funds are exhausted.
    Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
  • If there is a post-Games deficit the city is responsible for the first $270 million after the $270 million LA28 contingency fund is exhausted.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Her association with Nuyorican bandleader and timbalero Tito Puente provided the perfect transition from the honeyed sheen of La Matancera to the ragged, visceral feel of Seventies salsa.
    Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Sharp mower blades also create cleaner cuts, which helps grass retain moisture instead of losing it through ragged blade tips.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Five of the eight people arrested in connection with last year's Esparto explosion, which killed seven men, were arraigned in Yolo County court on Monday.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • In 2017, Judith organized a group of surviving twins to gather in Jerusalem, where a plaque was unveiled in honor of the twin children who were killed.
    Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Cobweb guitar melodies trace the room, crossing paths with spare, weary string arrangements.
    Joshua Minsoo Kim, Pitchfork, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The storm-weary central US will finally get a breather over the weekend because of a weather pattern change that will also usher in a temperature drop.
    Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • If your current set is thin, faded or fraying, spring cleaning is the perfect excuse to replace them.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Deadheading faded blooms encourages new flowerheads.
    Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 12 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on worn-out

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster