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

---

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]

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

damaged goods

"I didn't have any respect for myself. I was thinking I was damaged goods - scared of giving off signals that could be taken the wrong way."

From BBC ● Nov. 9, 2026

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

“I felt wanted, even though I’m kind of damaged goods right now,” Kershaw added.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 8, 2024

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

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---