What does tattering mean?
Tattering describes something that is ragged, frayed, or gradually falling apart, especially clothing, flags, sails, or similar materials. It can function as an adjective, as in “a tattered coat,” or as the present participle of the verb “tatter,” meaning to wear or become torn into shreds. The word carries a strong visual association with fraying edges, fading fabric, and the gradual loss of a material’s usefulness. It can also be used figuratively for a reputation, argument, or institution that is deteriorating or losing its strength. Although “tattering” may sound old-fashioned or poetic, it remains precise and vivid in both British and American English. Its imagery makes it especially effective in literature, descriptions of old buildings or landscapes, and accounts of severe weather or neglect.
Worn, frayed, or in the process of becoming ragged and torn.
"He wrapped himself in a tattered blanket."
Often used with clothing, fabric, flags, banners, and sails; slightly literary but broadly understood.
Present participle of tatter: to wear or become frayed, ragged, or torn into shreds.
"The hem of her dress was tattering around her shoes."
Usually describes the progressive deterioration of fabric or another material.
A banner loses its authority one frayed thread at a time—and tattering names the moment it begins to disappear.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Related word forms
How tattering is actually used
The adjective is somewhat literary and poetic, but is readily understood in modern English. It is especially evocative when describing garments, flags, banners, sails, or other materials being worn down; the verbal use is more straightforward.
Easily confused with tattering
Tattering describes fabric or an object as becoming frayed, whereas tattered describes something that is already ragged or torn.