tattered
2 synonyms and 1 antonym for tattered, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Torn into rags or shreds; ragged from wear or damage.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Torn into rags or shreds; ragged from wear or damage.
“The old flag hung tattered and faded from the pole.”
2. adj
Worn-down or falling apart; in poor, patchy condition more generally.
“The company's reputation was left tattered after the scandal.”
Opposites
How to use tattered
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English tatered, related to Old Norse tǫturr ("rag"); later reanalysed as the past participle of the verb "to tatter."
Full origin of tattered →