adj

knackered

NAK-uhd

Knackered (adj) means Extremely tired or worn out. Example: “I'm absolutely knackered after that shift.”

adj

Extremely tired or worn out.

"I'm absolutely knackered after that shift."

Broken or no longer working.

"The washing machine's knackered again."

How to use knackered

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishExhausted, or (of things) broken.

When to use it

British informal slang; not typically used in American English.

Common pairings

completely knackered knackered engine

Word forms

more knackered comparative, more knackered comparative, most knackered superlative, most knackered superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “knackered” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

I'm absolutely _____ after that shift.

Etymology

From "knacker," originally the person who slaughtered worn-out horses — so being "knackered" meant fit only for the knacker's yard, worn out beyond use.

Rhymes for knackered

entered tapered covered ordered altered powered layered watered revered angered severed catered

See all rhymes for knackered →

Frequently asked questions

What does “knackered” mean?

The word “knackered” means extremely tired or worn out. In plain terms, exhausted, or (of things) broken.

How do you pronounce “knackered”?

“Knackered” is pronounced NAK-uhd (/ˈnæk.ɚd/ in IPA).

How do you use “knackered” in a sentence?

Here is “knackered” used in a sentence: “I'm absolutely knackered after that shift.”

What part of speech is “knackered”?

“Knackered” is an adjective.

How many meanings does “knackered” have?

“Knackered” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extremely tired or worn out.