(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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recently, what pleased Strawberry was getting into the garage and breaking into the leftover cases of beer, causing Mullins to find the pet pig a little worse for wear. —

Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024 Those with dogs may also be interested to know that even with all their bed-making, the sheets look no worse for wear after two months. —

Sharon Brandwein, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2024 Have your bath towels been looking a little worse for wear lately? —

Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 10 Aug. 2024 If your bathroom towels have been looking a little worse for wear, these plush ones are ready to hang on your towel bar. —

Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 10 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for (the) worse for wear

Cite this Entry

Style

“(the) worse for wear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/%28the%29%20worse%20for%20wear. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation