# frayed

/ˈfɹeɪd/ (US) · /fɹˈeɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/frayed
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

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.

For teachers: damaged, worn, or weakened, particularly at the edges or seams. Often used to describe physical deterioration or, figuratively, the erosion of patience or nerves.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.