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careworn

American  
[kair-wawrn, -wohrn] / ˈkɛərˌwɔrn, -ˌwoʊrn /

adjective

  1. showing signs of care or worry; fatigued by trouble or anxiety; haggard.

    a careworn old woman.


careworn British  
/ ˈkɛəˌwɔːn /

adjective

  1. showing signs of care, stress, worry, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of careworn

First recorded in 1820–30; care + worn

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Carthy's voice is careworn but it's never less than compelling.

From BBC • Sep. 10, 2025

By the time he announced his intention to resign, Benedict was 85, frail and careworn, and had cut down on his public appearances.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2022

But Grace Greenwood of the New York Times noted his “pale, careworn, and sad” appearance.

From Washington Post • Sep. 12, 2022

There's the careworn, eccentric female lead, equally brilliantly realized by newcomer to the screen, Alana Haim.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2022

Taran saw, for the first time, how ancient was the enchanter’s face, and how careworn.

From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander