Definition

1. 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.

Adjective

1. very tired