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

Heading into 2024, those Republicans still capable of introspection no doubt understood that their party was in a strange place and their candidate was damaged goods — unhinged, unmanageable and widely unpopular.

From Salon

Having already experienced more record-label meddling than she’d have liked — and figuring that many execs would look at her as damaged goods anyway — Booth kept her new songs largely to herself until she and West were almost finished with them.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s depressing,” Rich continued in his trademark straight-shooting way, “to watch a once-fervent expression of black self-respect and talent be spilled on the stage as if it were a trunkload of marked-down, damaged goods.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I felt wanted, even though I’m kind of damaged goods right now,” Kershaw added.

From Los Angeles Times

Hollywood insiders say Majors is likely to face more hurdles than Mel Gibson, who for several years was considered damaged goods in the industry after he was recorded making antisemitic remarks during a 2006 arrest for driving under the influence in Malibu.

From Los Angeles Times