damaged goods

/ ˈdæmɪdʒd /

noun

1. a person considered to be less than perfect psychologically, as a result of a traumatic experience
2. a person, esp a public figure, whose reputation has been damaged

Idioms and Phrases

A person, especially an unmarried woman who is no longer a virgin, as in A person who has sex before marriage is not considered damaged goods in this day and age . This pejorative expression transfers the reduced value of materials (stock, provisions, etc.) marred in some way to women who have had a sexual experience. [Early 1900s]

Example Sentences

Politico has reported that some Republican donors see Scalise as damaged goods.

From The Daily Beast

First is the worry that everyone who is left on the dating market is damaged goods.

From The Daily Beast

Both foreshadowed Don's potential fate—as "damaged goods," like Freddy, or a victim of his own appetites, like Campbell's husband.

From The Daily Beast

Leno asked if the scandal-plagued Christie is now “damaged goods.”

From The Daily Beast

The missing leg is only the most obvious sign that Strike is damaged goods, a loner wounded by life long before he went overseas.

From The Daily Beast

The compensation they will receive for damaged goods will be totally inadequate to cover their loss.

From Project Gutenberg

In our fancy shops we have a capital collection of damaged goods, among which the flies of countless summers ‘have been roaming.’

From Project Gutenberg

Your letter of the 10th instant concerning damaged goods is received, etc.

From Project Gutenberg

Imperfect or damaged goods must be returned for our inspection; otherwise no allowance will be made.

From Project Gutenberg

Our appearance in a shop was a signal for the damaged goods to be brought out immediately.

From Project Gutenberg