(the) worse for wear

idiom

: in worse condition after doing or experiencing something
He came out of basic training only slightly the worse for wear.
The kids emerged from the woods looking none the worse for wear.

Examples of (the) worse for wear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While his time on SNL may have been rocky, Downey’s career is no worse for wear. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025 If your bags are looking worse for wear after a busy 2024 travel year, Nordstrom has luggage sets, totes, duffels, and more deeply discounted. Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2024 If your daily driver sneakers are looking a little worse for wear, now’s your chance to save on these best-selling Skechers Go Walk Joy Slip-ons, which are a dream for getting through security checkpoints. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 1 Jan. 2025 But in recent years, scientists have discovered a rare breed who consistently get little shut-eye and are no worse for wear. Marla Broadfoot, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for (the) worse for wear 

Dictionary Entries Near (the) worse for wear

Cite this Entry

“(the) worse for wear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/%28the%29%20worse%20for%20wear. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!