# worn

/ˈwɔɹn/ (US) · /wˈɔːn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/worn
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. damaged by use

adjective · CEFR B1

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

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

- The knees of his jeans were worn and had small holes in them.
- The stone steps of the cathedral were deeply worn by the passage of millions of pilgrims over several centuries.

### 3. looking tired

adjective · CEFR B2

looking very tired or worried.

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

- She looked worn after working a double shift at the hospital.
- The manager appeared increasingly worn as the negotiations dragged into their third consecutive night without a resolution.

## Examples

- He likes to wear his old, worn jeans.
- The stone steps of the ancient cathedral were worn smooth by centuries of visitors walking over them.
- After a decade of constant travel, his leather suitcase was heavily worn at the corners, yet it remained a sturdy companion for his international assignments.

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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.