The worse for wear
adjective
Looking or feeling tired, damaged, or less good after heavy use or much activity.
After the party, the house was a bit worse for wear.
Usage tips
Colloquial
adjective
Being in a lesser state of repair or condition.
The old building was looking a bit worse for wear.
Often appears as...
- look the worse for wear
- a bit the worse for wear
adjective
Damaged or worn down over time.
The book was a bit worse for wear after years of use.
Often appears as...
- a bit the worse for wear
- look a bit the worse for wear
adjective
Looking or feeling tired, damaged, or less good after heavy use or much activity.
After the party, the house was a bit worse for wear.
Usage tips
Colloquial
adjective
Being in a lesser state of repair or condition.
The old building was looking a bit worse for wear.
Often appears as...
- look the worse for wear
- a bit the worse for wear
adjective
Damaged or worn down over time.
The book was a bit worse for wear after years of use.
Often appears as...
- a bit the worse for wear
- look a bit the worse for wear
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/2Feeling Drained
Use to describe someone who looks exhausted, often after a significant effort or long event.
He looked the worse for wear after running the marathon.
Pro Tip 2/2Social Events
Commonly used after parties or gatherings, indicating messiness or tired guests.
The guests were all a bit the worse for wear the morning after the wedding.
Pro Tip 1/2Feeling Drained
Use to describe someone who looks exhausted, often after a significant effort or long event.
He looked the worse for wear after running the marathon.
Pro Tip 2/2Social Events
Commonly used after parties or gatherings, indicating messiness or tired guests.
The guests were all a bit the worse for wear the morning after the wedding.
Pro Tip 1/2Feeling Drained
Use to describe someone who looks exhausted, often after a significant effort or long event.
He looked the worse for wear after running the marathon.
Pro Tip 2/2Social Events
Commonly used after parties or gatherings, indicating messiness or tired guests.
The guests were all a bit the worse for wear the morning after the wedding.
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