raddled
/'rædld/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Worn out, exhausted, or showing signs of age and fatigue: Describes a person, especially their face, that appears tired, haggard, or aged due to overwork, stress, or suffering.
- Dilapidated or worn from excessive use: Describes an object that is worn out, shabby, or no longer useful due to long or hard use.
Examples of Usage
Adjective (Describing a person):
- After years of hardship, her once-youthful face looked raddled and weary.
- The raddled old man sat on the bench, his eyes telling stories of a long, difficult life.
Adjective (Describing an object):
- He tried to tune the raddled radio, but it only produced static.
- The explorer carried his supplies in a raddled backpack that was nearly falling apart.
Advanced Usage
- "to look raddled": to have a worn and tired appearance.
- The CEO looked raddled after the intense, week-long negotiations.
Variants and Related Words
- Raddle (verb, archaic): To apply raddle (a red ochre) to mark sheep, or more figuratively, to paint coarsely (like applying heavy makeup, which can lead to a 'raddled' appearance when worn).
- Haggard (adj): Looking exhausted and unwell, especially from fatigue, worry, or suffering. (A close synonym for the primary meaning).
- Careworn (adj): Showing the effects of prolonged worry or stress.
Synonyms
- Haggard
- Worn-out
- Drawn
- Haggard
- Weary
- Battered (for objects)
- Dilapidated (for objects)
Antonyms
- Fresh
- Rested
- Youthful
- New (for objects)
- Pristine (for objects)
Notes on Different Meanings
- The primary and most common meaning in modern English is the first one: appearing worn and tired.
- The second meaning (worn-out object) is less frequent but valid.
- The slang meaning "very drunk" (as noted in some references) is now considered archaic or very rare in contemporary usage. The standard definitions above are far more prevalent.
Adjective
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showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
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looking careworn as she bent over her mending
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her face was drawn and haggard from sleeplessness
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that raddled but still noble face
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shocked to see the worn look of his handsome young face- Charles Dickens
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used until no longer useful
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battered trumpets and raddled radios
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worn-out shoes with flapping soles
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