beat-up

[ beet-uhp ]

adjective

1. Informal. dilapidated; in poor condition from use:

   a beat-up old jalopy.

noun

1. the warpwise count of tufts of pile in the warp of carpets.

beat up

verb

1. tr, adverb to strike or kick (a person), usually repeatedly, so as to inflict severe physical damage
2. beat oneself up informal.
   to reproach oneself

adjective

1. worn-out; dilapidated

Word History and Origins

Origin of beat-up¹

First recorded in 1935–40; adj., noun use of verb phrase beat up

Example Sentences

As a young researcher, he once parked a beat-up car in a middle-class suburban neighborhood of Palo Alto, and during three days of observation, noticed that the car was left untouched.

From Los Angeles Times

She takes us to her office, closes the door, and orders us to sit on her beat-up sofa as she goes over to her mini fridge.

From Literature

Woody Harrelson is here in a beat-up cowboy hat recalling the time he and Buffett smoked a joint on the roof of the Vatican.

From Los Angeles Times

“Inside of every old, beat-up body on the ski slope is a 16-year-old kid,” said Phillips, who skis with hearing aids and a knee brace.

From Seattle Times

“I don’t remember how a beat-up box got in the garage,” he said.

From New York Times