well-worn

[ wel-wawrn, -wohrn ]

adjective

1. showing the effects of extensive use or wear:

   well-worn carpets.

2. trite, hackneyed, or stale:

   a well-worn saying.

3. fittingly or becomingly worn or borne:

   a well-worn reserve that never seems haughty.

well-worn

adjective

1. so much used as to be affected by wear

   a well-worn coat

2. used too often; hackneyed

   a well-worn phrase

Word History and Origins

Origin of well-worn¹

First recorded in 1615–25

Example Sentences

These performances and conversations took place against a backdrop of damaged horns, well-worn instrument cases, tools and faded photos of high school bands performing at the Rose Bowl Parade.

From Los Angeles Times

But in this age of expensive and overwrought world-building, it’s Ellison’s experiential care with well-worn material that delivers the goods.

From Los Angeles Times

The question is now whether those well-worn patterns and deep understanding is enough.

From BBC

His new tour, which includes an appearance at the Hollywood Improv on March 23, will again find new takes on some of stand-up’s most well-worn topics: parenting and politics.

From Los Angeles Times

A few days after the event, Joshua Tree resident Brad Irwin, sporting a well-worn Trump 2024 hat, was vocal in his approval as he left a Harbor Freight in Yucca Valley.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dull
• humdrum
• lifeless
• monotonous
• mundane
• stale
• stodgy
• stuffy
• stupid
• tame
• tedious
• tiresome
• tiring
• trite
• uninteresting