knackered

[ nak-erd ]

adjective

, British Slang.

1. exhausted; very tired:

   He is really knackered after work.

knackered

/ ˈnækəd /

adjective

1. exhausted; tired out
2. worn out; no longer working, esp after long or hard use

Word History and Origins

Origin of knackered¹

First recorded in 1885–90; knacker “to tire” (attenuation of earlier sense “to kill”; knacker ( def 1 ) ) + -ed ²

Example Sentences

"I was knackered when I got out there after 50 overs in the field."

From BBC

The support must be knackered, but for us neutrals, it's been exhilarating to watch their exploits this season.

From BBC

Then you fast forward two years and they are absolutely knackered, mentally and physically.

From BBC

"Some travellers find offence to the word knackered and some travellers don't, but unfortunately we just shouldn't be using it at all."

From BBC

When asked to provide examples of Irish slang, Mr Kennedy explained that "knackered" was a term used to express tiredness.

From BBC

More About Knackered

What does knackered mean?

Knackered is a British slang word that means exhausted or worn out.

Knackered is very informal and is primarily used in the U.K.

Example: You can tell the players are a bit knackered after all the extra time in this match.

Where does knackered come from?

Knackered has been in English since at least the 1880s. It comes from an older sense of knacker that meant “to kill.”

The verb knacker then “weakened” to mean “tire out” or “wear out.” Like the adjective worn out, knackered can be applied to a person to mean “exhausted” or to a thing to mean “faded or worn.” So a person can be knackered after they have worked all day or exercised, but a coat could also be described as knackered after many years of wear.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for knackered?

• exhausted
• worn-out
• beat
• spent

What are some words that share a root or word element with knackered?

 

• knacker
• knackery

What are some words that often get used in discussing knackered?

• exercise
• work
• tired
• absolutely

How is knackered used in real life?

Knackered is a highly informal word that is used mostly in British English, typically in very casual contexts.

Feeling Knackered after 2 trips up to #Layburn totally 11 hours moving furniture for a friend.

— Ross Bailey (@rossbaileyleeds) February 4, 2020

a wee 6.4k walk later, I think it’s safe to safe to say the Devil Dogs are knackered 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Oh2mtfK0MD

— Carolanne (@carolanne212) January 24, 2020

Popped into @SoundRecordsGL5
Good news……..Picked up a fantastic Sam Cooke album😎
Bad news………..Album cover knackered😔
Good News………Got it for a very decent price😎
Thanks Sean👍#SoulfulCotswolds #Vinyljunkie pic.twitter.com/aWgfiEDNBj

— Tony 'The Taylor' Soulprano (@TonyTheTaylor1) January 22, 2020

Try using knackered!

Which of the following sentences does NOT use knackered correctly?

A. I’m nice and knackered after that refreshing nap.
B. The dog ran around outside too much and now she’s knackered.
C. Susan came home knackered after a long day of laying bricks.