adj

tattered

TA-tuhd

Tattered (adj) means Torn into rags or shreds; ragged from wear or damage. Example: “The old flag hung tattered and faded from the pole.”

adj

Torn into rags or shreds; ragged from wear or damage.

"The old flag hung tattered and faded from the pole."

"He arrived in a tattered coat that had seen better days."

Worn-down or falling apart; in poor, patchy condition more generally.

"The company's reputation was left tattered after the scandal."

How to use tattered

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTorn and ragged — used for worn cloth or, figuratively, for something damaged and in poor shape.

Common pairings

tattered clothes tattered flag left tattered

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The old flag hung _____ and faded from the pole.

Etymology

From Middle English tatered, related to Old Norse tǫturr ("rag"); later reanalysed as the past participle of the verb "to tatter."

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for tattered

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

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Frequently asked questions

What does “tattered” mean?

The word “tattered” means torn into rags or shreds; ragged from wear or damage. In plain terms, torn and ragged — used for worn cloth or, figuratively, for something damaged and in poor shape.

How do you pronounce “tattered”?

“Tattered” is pronounced TA-tuhd (/ˈtætɚd/ in IPA).

How do you use “tattered” in a sentence?

Here is “tattered” used in a sentence: “The old flag hung tattered and faded from the pole.”

What part of speech is “tattered”?

“Tattered” is an adjective.

Where does the word “tattered” come from?

The word “tattered” comes from Middle English. From Middle English tatered, related to Old Norse tǫturr ("rag"); later reanalysed as the past participle of the verb "to tatter.".

How many meanings does “tattered” have?

“Tattered” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: torn into rags or shreds; ragged from wear or damage.