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

An already tattered image was further damaged.

From Los Angeles Times

“It was during the pandemic and people were clamoring for safe and outdoorsy activities. I decided to go outside of my own comfort level and pack and lace up for a weekend in the woods. Tattered map in tow and sense of adventure in abundance, I was the only entity out there all weekend. With the exception of the wildlife that came sniffing around my tent around midnight. It was adrenaline-inducing and transcendent as I’d never felt that close to nature before. I could smell her coyote-breath.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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