frayed
v. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈfɹeɪd// UK //fɹˈeɪd// frayed
v. damaged or worn out, especially at the edges. You use this to describe things like old clothes or ropes that have started to fall apart.
v. damaged, worn, or weakened, particularly at the edges or seams. Often used to describe physical deterioration or, figuratively, the erosion of patience or nerves.
The old sweater has frayed edges from years of washing.
After three hours of arguing with the customer service rep, his patience was completely frayed.
The detective noticed the frayed hem of the suspect's jacket, which suggested he had been in a struggle or had been wearing the same clothes for an extended period.