tired

¹ American  

[tahy^uhrd] / taɪərd /

adjective

1. exhausted, as by exertion; fatigued or sleepy.

   They provided water to a tired runner.

   Synonyms:

   enervated

   Antonyms:

   energetic

2. weary or bored (usually followed byof ).

   I'm tired of eating the same food every day.

3. hackneyed; stale, as a joke, phrase, or sermon.

   The standup comedian's tired old gags got no laughs.

4. Informal. impatient or disgusted.

   You make me tired.

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tired ² American  

[tahy^uhrd] / taɪərd /

adjective

1. having a tire or tires.

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tired British  

/ ˈtaɪəd /

adjective

1. weary; fatigued

2. (foll by of)

   1. having lost interest in; bored

      I'm tired of playing cards

   2. having lost patience with; exasperated by

      I'm tired of his eternal excuses

3. hackneyed; stale

   the same tired old jokes

4. euphemistic slightly drunk

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tired Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing tired

• dead on one's feet (tired)
• sick and tired

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Synonym Usage

Tired, exhausted, fatigued, wearied, weary suggest a condition in which a large part of one's energy and vitality has been consumed. One who is tired has used up a considerable part of their bodily or mental resources: to feel tired at the end of the day. One who is exhausted is completely drained of energy and vitality, usually because of arduous or long-sustained effort: The horse was left exhausted after a hard run. One who is fatigued has consumed energy to a point where rest and sleep are demanded: A good workout can leave you feeling rather pleasantly fatigued. One who is wearied has been under protracted exertion or strain that has gradually worn out their strength: The sentry sat down, wearied by a long vigil. Weary suggests a more permanent condition than wearied: The family is weary of struggling against misfortunes.

Other Word Forms

• tiredness
  noun
• tiredly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of tired¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English tyred; see origin at tire ¹; see also -ed ² ( def. )

Origin of tired²

First recorded in 1890–95; tire ² + -ed ³

Explanation

If you're tired, you should get some rest. If you're tired of being tired, you might need to eat better and exercise more. If you're tired of being told what to do, you should stop asking for advice. Tired can also mean that something is old news, or worn out to the point where people don't want to hear it anymore. Although you still find them funny, your co-workers think your impressions of your favorite cartoon characters are pretty tired.

Example Sentences

"We have told the parents - enjoy the game, as we recognise that a late-night match could leave parents and children tired, making the usual school morning stressful," he said.

From BBC • Jul. 4, 2026

Dorr was inspired by his wife, Nell, a renowned photographer, who was tired of riding shotgun and craning her neck out the window to see where the asphalt ended.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 4, 2026

Yes, yes, we know – you’re tired of hearing about your favorite comedy genius’ past misconduct.

From Salon • Jul. 3, 2026

"Many people hold onto the American dream, but given how tough things are getting, you can't be the salmon swimming against the current -- because you get tired, you burn out, it destroys you."

From Barron's • Jul. 1, 2026

I was tired of that one room with its earthen floor tramped down by Ryan feet over the last hundred years.

From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff

Related Words

• annoyed
• bored
• distressed
• drained
• exasperated
• fatigued
• irritated
• overworked
• sleepy
• stale