worn
1 Americanadjective
-
diminished in value or usefulness through wear, use, handling, etc..
The car's front tires were very worn, with little tread left.
-
showing a considerable level of use or wear.
He read his speech from two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been folded and unfolded many times.
-
wearied; exhausted.
She looked worn but joyful as she held her newborn daughter.
verb
-
a combining form with the meaning “showing a specified level of use, deterioration, or consumption”.
Before you toss that little-worn top, consider if it could be given a second life.
-
a combining form with the meaning “showing wear, deterioration, or exhaustion from a specified cause”.
The old bridges fit the landscape, maybe because they are as windworn and aged as the land around them.
The knights were weary and battleworn when they returned to the castle.
verb
adjective
-
affected, esp adversely, by long use or action
a worn suit
-
haggard; drawn
-
exhausted; spent
Other Word Forms
- self-worn adjective
- unworn adjective
- wornness noun
Etymology
Origin of worn
First recorded in 1500–10, for the adjective
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.
Sustainability was also at the forefront in KSENIASCHNAIDER's show, with the brand continuing its commitment to showcasing up-cycled and reworked clothes that are designed to be worn in a versatile way.
From BBC
For much of the last decade, Mustaine has experienced significant discomfort since the cartilage in the tips of his fingers has worn away from decades of frenzied playing, causing the bones to scrape together.
From Los Angeles Times
Extensions are often worn for cultural expression, personal style, and convenience.
From Science Daily
In May 2024, authorities in Hwange National Park became suspicious after a radio collar worn by a male lion stopped working.
From BBC
This narrowing intensifies when viewing distance is shortened or when overly strong negative lenses are worn.
From Science Daily
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.