damaged goods

British  

/ ˈdæmɪdʒd /

noun

1. a person considered to be less than perfect psychologically, as a result of a traumatic experience

2. a person, esp a public figure, whose reputation has been damaged

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damaged goods Idioms  

1. A person, especially an unmarried woman who is no longer a virgin, as in A person who has sex before marriage is not considered damaged goods in this day and age. This pejorative expression transfers the reduced value of materials (stock, provisions, etc.) marred in some way to women who have had a sexual experience. [Early 1900s]

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Example Sentences

Now they’re stuck having to find a solution for Crosby, a disgruntled player who had already packed his bags and may now be viewed as damaged goods.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

The garments association has asked all its members to submit a list of damaged goods to determine the full extent of the losses.

From BBC • Oct. 20, 2025

Even worse, autistic children were raised to view themselves as "damaged goods" in need of fixing, which has "caused a great deal of harm to autistic people and their families," Waltz said.

From Salon • Jun. 30, 2023

Tolvanen was given away for free off the waiver wire — mislabeled damaged goods that actually just needed new surroundings.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 19, 2023

I’d convinced him I was damaged goods, not worth the time or effort he’d invested in me.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson