In rags
adjective
Wearing torn or old clothes, usually due to poverty.
He looked like a beggar, dressed in rags.
Often appears as...
- dressed in rags
- clothed in rags
adjective
In a very poor or deteriorated condition.
After the war, their house was in rags.
Often appears as...
- house in rags
- life in rags
Usage tips
Disapproving
General, Idiomatic
adjective
Wearing torn or old clothes, usually due to poverty.
He looked like a beggar, dressed in rags.
Often appears as...
- dressed in rags
- clothed in rags
adjective
In a very poor or deteriorated condition.
After the war, their house was in rags.
Often appears as...
- house in rags
- life in rags
Usage tips
Disapproving
General, Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Poverty Indicator
Indicates extreme poverty or neglect in character's lifestyle or background.
The protagonist grew up in rags before becoming successful.
Pro Tip 2/3Visual Emphasis
The phrase creates a strong visual image of a person's appearance.
At the party, he stood out, in rags amongst suits.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Can be used metaphorically to express something in a dire state, not just clothing.
His self-esteem was in rags after the rejection.
Pro Tip 1/3Poverty Indicator
Indicates extreme poverty or neglect in character's lifestyle or background.
The protagonist grew up in rags before becoming successful.
Pro Tip 2/3Visual Emphasis
The phrase creates a strong visual image of a person's appearance.
At the party, he stood out, in rags amongst suits.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Can be used metaphorically to express something in a dire state, not just clothing.
His self-esteem was in rags after the rejection.
Pro Tip 1/3Poverty Indicator
Indicates extreme poverty or neglect in character's lifestyle or background.
The protagonist grew up in rags before becoming successful.
Pro Tip 2/3Visual Emphasis
The phrase creates a strong visual image of a person's appearance.
At the party, he stood out, in rags amongst suits.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Can be used metaphorically to express something in a dire state, not just clothing.
His self-esteem was in rags after the rejection.
Never forget "In rags"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension