MEANING
Worn so thin that the threads show; figuratively, overused and lacking force.
Use it for
Worn textiles, diminished wealth, exhausted justifications.Let physical wear hint at daily use or reduced circumstances without proving either.
Words that belong together
- threadbare carpet
- threadbare sleeves
- threadbare excuse
On the page
A threadbare carpet covered the landing.
His threadbare excuse failed to persuade even the housekeeper.
She patched the threadbare sleeve with cloth from an older coat.
Nearby words
Opposite meanings
Related words
Word forms
- Base
- threadbare
Usage notes
Primary category: gothic. Literal chiefly of cloth; figurative chiefly of excuses or arguments. Not a general word for ruined masonry. Comparative more threadbare; superlative most threadbare.
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