tattered

/ˈtætəd/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈætɚd] /ˈtætərd/ (ame, ipa) · [tˈætɚd] /ˈta-tərd How to pronounce tattered (audio)/ (ame, mw)

tattered — adjective

  • tatteredpositive
  • more tatteredcomparative
  • most tatteredsuperlative

1. describes cloth, paper, or clothing that has been torn many times and looks very

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes cloth, paper, or clothing that has been torn many times and looks very old because it has been used for a long time without care

例句

Sana wore a tattered scarf that had belonged to her grandmother.

attributive position: tattered + noun

The pages of the old notebook were so tattered that Jin could hardly read them.

predicative: be + tattered

同義詞
  • ragged

    more informal, often suggests uneven edges; tattered focuses on many tears

  • shredded

    implies something has been torn into narrow pieces, a more extreme state

  • frayed

    describes fabric threads coming loose at the edges, less severe than tattered

反義詞
  • pristine

    in perfect, unspoiled condition — the opposite of old and torn

  • new

    not yet worn or damaged

用法筆記

Unlike torn, which can describe a single fresh rip, tattered suggests many tears and an overall worn condition resulting from long use.

常見錯誤

❌The paper was tattered by the scissors.
✅The paper was cut by the scissors.
💡Tattered describes the result of wear over time, not a single cutting action.

2. describes a building, piece of furniture, or other physical object that is in ex

2.形容詞C1
釋義

describes a building, piece of furniture, or other physical object that is in extremely bad condition because it has been neglected or damaged over a long period

例句

The old warehouse stood empty, its roof tattered and full of holes.

predicative use for buildings

Tamás looked at the tattered sofa and wondered if it would hold his weight.

同義詞
  • dilapidated

    more formal, specifically of buildings and structures in poor condition

  • battered

    suggests damage from repeated hits or rough use; more physical impact

  • run-down

    informal, broader: can apply to buildings, areas, or a person's appearance

反義詞

用法筆記

Can be used figuratively for abstract things like relationships, reputations, or economies that have been severely damaged over time.

常見錯誤

❌The chair is tattered because I dropped it.
✅The chair was tattered after years of daily use.
💡Tattered implies gradual decay, not a single accident.