tattered
UK: ˈtætəd | US: ˈtætərd
adj. 1. (of cloth or clothing) old and torn; in poor condition.
adj. 2. (figuratively) damaged or weakened, as in reputation or morale.
The word "tattered" originates from the Middle English "tateren," meaning "to tear or shred." The root "tatter" refers to a torn piece of cloth, and the suffix "-ed" transforms it into an adjective describing the state of being torn or ragged. Over time, "tattered" evolved to describe not just physical damage but also metaphorical deterioration (e.g., "tattered reputation"). The imagery of frayed fabric vividly conveys the idea of wear and decline.
The old flag hung in tattered strips after years of exposure to the wind.
She wore a tattered coat that had clearly seen better days.
His tattered notebook was filled with scribbled ideas and torn pages.
The storm left the sails tattered and useless.
Despite its tattered appearance, the book held sentimental value.