# scarred

/ˈskɑɹd/ (US) · /skˈɑːd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scarred
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

having marks on the skin or surface from an old injury. It can also describe someone who is deeply upset by a bad experience from their past.

For teachers: marked by a permanent trace of a healed wound or damage; metaphorically, suffering from lasting psychological trauma. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'remain' or 'be'.

## Examples

- His face was scarred after the accident.
- The old wooden table was badly scarred by years of heavy use and neglect.
- Many soldiers returned from the front lines physically healthy but emotionally scarred by the horrors they had witnessed during the conflict.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb or appears before a noun; can be modified by degree adverbs like 'deeply' or 'permanently'.

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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.