French word

usé

Pronunciation

IPA/yze/

Meaning

  • adjectiveworn out

Example

Ce jean est usé.

These jeans are worn out.

Illustration for usé (worn out)

More examples

Ses chaussures sont usées jusqu'à la corde.

His shoes are worn to the point of being threadbare.

Core concept

A familiar item whose edges, fabric, or surface have become thin, rubbed, or dull through regular use.

Common phrases

  • usé jusqu'à la corde

    worn to the point of being threadbare

  • chaussures usées

    worn shoes

Similar words

abîmé: Damaged by scratches, holes, or tears, with its surface or shape impaired.
défraîchi: Faded and creased, with an old and lackluster appearance.
délavé: Washed or sun-faded, with its original color now pale and indistinct.
usagé: Previously used and no longer in new condition.

Definition in French

S'emploie comme adjectif pour qualifier un objet abîmé par l'usage répété.

Word origin

French formed usé from user by using its past participle as an adjective, while user comes from Latin usare.

Usage tips

  • Usé describes wear from use rather than age alone, so vieux is more suitable when an object is simply old.

Other meanings

  • shabbyadjective
  • wornadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word