What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
worn
Example
Her dress was worn out after years of use. [worn: adjective]
Example
The book's pages were yellowed and worn from frequent reading. [worn: past participle]
Example
He looked worn after working long hours without rest. [worn: adjective]
ragged
Example
The old flag was ragged and torn from years of exposure to the elements. [ragged: adjective]
Example
The edges of the paper were ragged and uneven after being cut with scissors. [ragged: adjective]
Example
He looked ragged after spending the night outside in the rain. [ragged: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Worn is more commonly used than ragged in everyday language. Worn is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ragged is less common and refers to a specific type of poor condition.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between worn and ragged?
Both worn and ragged are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
