knackered
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Extremely tired, exhausted: "Knackered" is a British informal adjective meaning completely worn out, fatigued, or having no energy left, often due to hard work or exertion.
Usage
- Informal Register: This word is primarily used in informal, colloquial British English. It is less common in formal writing or speech.
- Typical Contexts: It is commonly used to describe physical exhaustion after work, exercise, or a long day, or mental fatigue.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "to be knackered": The most common construction is the verb "to be" followed by "knackered."
- By 9 p.m., the kids were knackered and ready for bed.
- "to look/feel knackered": Used to describe appearance or sensation.
- You look knackered—you should get some rest.
Variants and Related Words
- Knacker (verb, British, informal): To exhaust or wear out. This is the source verb from which "knackered" is derived.
- That long hike really knackered me.
- Knackered (adjective, UK slang): In very informal UK slang, can also mean broken or no longer working (e.g., "The TV is knackered").
Synonyms
- Exhausted: Drained of strength or energy.
- Shattered (UK informal): Extremely tired.
- Worn out: Extremely tired, especially from long or hard use.
- Drained: Depleted of energy or vitality.
- Beat (informal): Very tired.
Antonyms
- Energetic: Showing or involving great activity or vitality.
- Refreshed: Having regained strength or energy.
- Invigorated: Feeling filled with life and energy.
Notes on Meaning
- The primary and most widespread meaning is "very tired."
- The secondary, slang meaning of "broken" (e.g., a knackered engine) is also common in British English but is context-dependent. The context usually makes the intended meaning clear.