tattered

[ tat-erd ]

adjective

1. torn to tatters; tatter; ragged:

   a tattered flag.

2. wearing ragged clothing:

   a tattered old man.

tattered

/ ˈtætəd /

adjective

1. ragged or worn

   a tattered old book

2. wearing ragged or torn clothing

   tattered refugees

3. damaged, defeated, or in disarray

   he believes he can bring the tattered party together

Other Words From

• un·tattered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tattered¹

1300–50; Middle English; tatter ¹ (noun), -ed ³

Example Sentences

Married to Stanley, a man of carnal appetites and vulgar manners, Stella has embraced the crude pleasures of realism, while her freeloading sister still clings to tattered aristocratic illusions.

From Los Angeles Times

If you are one of many who have a torn and tattered, sauce-splattered copy of the iconic "Joy of Cooking" cookbook, then do we have good news for you.

From Salon

During the pandemic, there was an explosion of people living in tattered recreational vehicles parked in neighborhoods and industrial stretches.

From Los Angeles Times

His house had been foreclosed on, and he was himself, as the New York Times described him, a “white-haired, tattered public charge.”

From Los Angeles Times

For years they had kept their tattered big blue Trump flags flying even long after the elections but this year they seem to be few and far between.

From Salon

Related Words

• battered
• dilapidated
• frayed
• ripped
• shabby
• threadbare
• torn