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
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for tattered
See all rhymes for tattered →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.
