beaten-up

/ˌbiːtn ˈʌp/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌbiːtn ˈʌp/ (ame, ipa)

beaten-up — adjective

1. in a very poor physical state because something has been used a lot or treated r

1.形容詞B1
釋義

in a very poor physical state because something has been used a lot or treated roughly over time — for example, a sofa with torn fabric and flattened cushions, a car covered in dents and rust, or a suitcase held together with tape.

例句

Farid's beaten-up backpack had a broken zipper and a hole where his pencils fell out.

used before a noun modifying a specific object

The leather sofa in the student lounge looks so beaten-up that nobody sits on it.

look + beaten-up (predicative)

同義詞
  • worn

    softer and more neutral; can describe objects that show age without looking damaged

  • battered

    very close in meaning; 'battered' emphasises physical hits and knocks, while 'beaten-up' focuses more on overall shabby condition from use

  • dilapidated

    more formal; usually describes buildings or large structures in decaying state

  • shabby

    focuses on appearance that looks poor or neglected; can also describe people's clothing

反義詞
  • pristine

    in perfect, original condition — the opposite extreme

  • new

    not yet used or worn

  • well-kept

    cared for and maintained despite regular use

文法句型

beaten-up + noun

be + beaten-up

look + beaten-up

get + beaten-up

用法筆記

Used mainly for physical objects — furniture, vehicles, clothing, appliances. Not used for people (a 'beaten-up person' would sound odd in this sense). The word is informal; in formal writing, alternatives like 'worn,' 'dilapidated,' or 'damaged' are more appropriate.

常見錯誤

❌He looked beaten-up after the long flight.
✅He looked exhausted after the long flight.
💡'beaten-up' describes objects, not people's tired appearance.
❌Her shoes were beaten-up and new.
✅Her shoes were beaten-up and old.
💡'beaten-up' implies heavy use over a long time, so it cannot describe something new.