What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
threadbare
Example
The sofa was threadbare from years of use. [threadbare: adjective]
Example
His excuses for being late were threadbare and unconvincing. [threadbare: adjective]
Example
The threadbare carpet in the hotel room was in desperate need of replacement. [threadbare: adjective]
worn
Example
Her shoes were worn and had holes in the soles. [worn: adjective]
Example
The gears on the bicycle were worn and needed to be replaced. [worn: adjective]
Example
He looked worn out after working a double shift. [worn: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Worn is more commonly used than threadbare in everyday language. Worn is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while threadbare is less common and is typically used to describe clothing or fabric.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between threadbare and worn?
Both threadbare and worn are relatively informal words, but threadbare may be slightly more formal due to its less common usage and negative connotation.
