ENGLISH
REFERENCE

worn

adj.
US //ˈwɔɹn// UK //wˈɔːn// worn
  1. 1 damaged by use (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    damaged, thin, or old because it has been used a lot.

    showing signs of significant physical degradation, friction, or erosion due to prolonged use.

    Example

    The knees of his jeans were worn and had small holes in them.

    Example

    The stone steps of the cathedral were deeply worn by the passage of millions of pilgrims over several centuries.

  2. 2 looking tired (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    looking very tired or worried.

    showing signs of exhaustion, fatigue, or emotional distress in one's facial expression or appearance.

    Example

    She looked worn after working a double shift at the hospital.

    Example

    The manager appeared increasingly worn as the negotiations dragged into their third consecutive night without a resolution.

Origin

By analogy to past participles like torn from tear and sworn from swear.

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