moth-eaten.

1. Damaged by the larvae of moths, especially with holes in fabric.

2. Shabby, worn, or outdated in appearance or ideas, as though damaged by moths.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• moth-eaten curtains
• moth-eaten coat
• moth-eaten upholstery

On the page

Moth-eaten curtains let pinpoints of light into the room.

He lifted a moth-eaten uniform from the cedar chest.

The lawyer refused to defend another moth-eaten argument about tradition.

Usage notes

Primary category: gothic. Holes in cloth are the literal clue; not a general synonym for rotten stone or wood. Degree usually expressed with more or badly rather than an -er form; comparative more moth-eaten, superlative most moth-eaten.