washed-up
/ˌwɑːʃt ˈʌp/ (US) · /ˌwɒʃt ˈʌp/ (UK)
washed-up — adjective
1. describes a person whose career, talent, or popularity has ended and is unlikely
describes a person whose career, talent, or popularity has ended and is unlikely to return to its former level.
After three failed films, even his old friends called the director washed-up.
passive: be called washed-up
The washed-up singer now performs at small bars for very little money.
attributive: a washed-up [noun]
Nikos refused to believe he was washed-up and kept auditioning for film roles.
Constanza felt completely washed-up after her band broke up last year.
Critics wrote the actor off as washed-up long before his final movie.
- finished
more general and slightly less harsh; can apply to any situation, not just careers
- over the hill
more informal and focuses on age rather than loss of skill
- past one's prime
milder and often more sympathetic; suggests natural decline rather than failure
- up-and-coming
describes someone whose career is just beginning to succeed
- rising
describes someone gaining success and popularity
文法句型
be washed-up
a washed-up [noun]
用法筆記
Common in informal conversation about entertainment, sports, or politics. Often carries a dismissive or pitying tone.