outworn

adjective

out·​worn ˌau̇t-ˈwȯrn 

: no longer useful or acceptable : outmoded

an outworn social system

Synonyms

• obsolete
• archaic
• antiquated
• medieval

Examples of outworn in a Sentence

an outworn set of beliefs

outworn clothes with holes in them

Recent Examples on the Web

With his understanding of and affection for the hardy inhabitants of the mountainous American West, Walker-Silverman brings a new and tender radiance to the idea of regional filmmaking, along with an awareness of outworn stereotypes. —Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

This was not a forgone conclusion at the time; indeed, during the 1930s, democracy was widely viewed as an outworn political form. —Taeku Lee, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2013

Perhaps that’s the legacy of outworn stereotypes about corruption or a lack of the type of political will that’s brought more rapid changes to corporate governance and sustainable investing standards in, for example, some Nordic countries. —Cassie Werber, Quartz, 7 June 2022

This colossal tactical error has been compounded by the lingering centrist deference to a long-outworn image of the Supreme Court as a grand impartial arbiter of constitutional outcomes. —Chris Lehmann, The New Republic, 10 Feb. 2022

So, the high temperature of 62 seemed an obvious anachronism, an outdated and outworn remnant of earlier times. —Washington Post, 9 May 2021

Now, two decades into a new century, the magazine remains, if anything, more committed than ever to its first principles—and most of all, to the need to rethink outworn assumptions and political superstitions as radically changing conditions demand. —Press Release, The New Republic, 26 Mar. 2021

In the week to come use the opportunities and insights that arise to rid yourself of outworn ideas, attitudes and habits. —Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive.com, 11 Aug. 2019

Sartorial inheritance is perhaps innocuous, even if personally significant, whereas conflating outworn ideas of identity with homage is profoundly dangerous. —Aram Mrjoian, Longreads, 15 June 2019

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1522, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for outworn

• adorn
• airborne
• blackthorn
• broomcorn
• buckhorn
• buckthorn
• careworn
• firstborn
• foodborne
• forborne
• forewarn
• forlorn

Kids Definition

outworn

adjective

out·​worn au̇t-ˈwō(ə)rn 

-ˈwȯ(ə)rn

: worn-out sense 1, out-of-date

an outworn system