Definition

Adjective: 1. Worn out, exhausted, or no longer effective: Describes something that is completely used up, depleted of energy, strength, or usefulness, often from overuse or extreme effort. 2. Out of date or no longer fashionable: Can describe an idea, style, or trend that is considered old-fashioned, stale, or no longer interesting.

Usage Examples

• As an adjective (describing a state of exhaustion):
  • After running the marathon, his legs felt completely played out.
  • The team was played out after the double overtime match.
  • She collapsed on the sofa, played out from the stress of the move.
• As an adjective (describing something worn or used up):
  • He threw away the played out deck of cards because several were torn.
  • The joke is played out; nobody laughs at it anymore.
  • That musical genre feels played out and needs fresh innovation.

Advanced Usage

• "to be played out": This is the most common structure, describing the resulting state of being exhausted or depleted.
  • By the final act, the villain's schemes were completely played out and he had no more tricks left.
• "to play itself out": A related verbal phrase meaning for a process or event to develop and conclude naturally.
  • We decided to let the argument play itself out without intervening.

Variants and Related Words

• Play out (phrasal verb): To unfold, develop, or happen to a conclusion.
  • Let's see how this situation plays out before we make a decision.
• Worn-out (adjective): Very similar in meaning, emphasizing physical deterioration or exhaustion.
• Exhausted (adjective): Drained of strength or energy.
• Depleted (adjective): Emptied or reduced in resource, strength, or quantity.

Synonyms

• Exhausted: Drained of energy.
• Spent: Used up; having no energy or power left.
• Fatigued: Very tired.
• Depleted: Emptied or reduced.
• Outdated: No longer current or fashionable.

Antonyms

• Energetic: Showing or involving great activity or vitality.
• Fresh: New; not worn or exhausted.
• Vigorous: Strong, healthy, and full of energy.
• Current: Belonging to the present time; up-to-date.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Run its course / Play out: To develop and finish naturally.
  • The illness had to run its course.
• At the end of one's rope/tether: To have no more patience or energy left.
  • After dealing with the crisis all night, I was at the end of my tether.

Adjective

1. worn out
   • a played out deck of cards
2. drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted
   • the day's shopping left her exhausted
   • he went to bed dog-tired
   • was fagged and sweaty
   • the trembling of his played out limbs
   • felt completely washed-out
   • only worn-out horses and cattle
   • you look worn out