careworn

American  

[kair-wawrn, -wohrn] / ˈkɛərˌwɔrn, -ˌwoʊrn /

adjective

1. showing signs of care or worry; fatigued by trouble or anxiety; haggard.

   a careworn old woman.

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careworn British  

/ ˈkɛəˌwɔːn /

adjective

1. showing signs of care, stress, worry, etc

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Etymology

Origin of careworn

First recorded in 1820–30; care + worn

Explanation

A person who's careworn is so tired that it shows on her face. New parents who have been up all night with a crying baby often appear careworn. Nights of interrupted sleep, working a late shift, and traveling a long distance can all make you a bit careworn. Simply fretting or worrying about something is another way for your expression to be careworn. The word emerged in the 19th century, from care, with its Old English root caru, "sorrow or anxiety," and worn, from its sense of worn out, or exhausted.

Example Sentences

Carthy's voice is careworn but it's never less than compelling.

From BBC • Sep. 10, 2025

If you didn’t say hear a security guard say, “It’s Elvis Presley!” you wouldn’t know Michael Shannon’s careworn, sullen Elvis was supposed to be the King.

From New York Times • Jun. 27, 2022

There's the careworn, eccentric female lead, equally brilliantly realized by newcomer to the screen, Alana Haim.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2022

And Jenkins, as always, communicates volumes in one single, careworn sigh.

From Washington Post • Nov. 22, 2021

Catherine Theodorakis, a slight, careworn woman, gazed down on her younger son with tired, dark-circled eyes.

From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin