What does threadbare mean?
Threadbare is an adjective describing something that has been worn through by use until its threads are visible, especially a garment. It can also describe figurative material, such as an argument, excuse, style, or plot, that feels old, ineffective, poorly developed, or too familiar to be persuasive. The word carries a vivid, slightly literary tone and suggests more than ordinary wear: the object is often still recognizable but has clearly deteriorated. A threadbare coat may have become transparent at the elbows, while a threadbare excuse sounds unconvincing because it has been used too often. Although the word can describe fabric that is badly worn, it is also commonly used metaphorically to criticize weak ideas and repeated excuses. Its literal origin makes it especially memorable: a garment becomes threadbare when the threads are no longer hidden beneath a sound outer surface.
adjectiveWorn through from repeated use until the threads are visible, or so worn that a garment is thin and nearly useless. By extension, it describes an argument, excuse, style, or idea that is old, poorly formed, ineffective, or lacking originality.
- Describing fabric or clothing worn through by use, especially to the point that the threads are visible.
- Describing an argument, excuse, style, or idea that is ineffective, outdated, poorly developed, or lacking originality.
"He offered the same threadbare excuse for being late."
"The old coat was not merely faded; it was threadbare at the elbows."
"Critics dismissed the proposal as a threadbare attempt to revive an outdated policy."
Threadbare is a visual diagnosis: the cloth may still cover you, but its threads have told the truth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does threadbare come from?
Threadbare is an English compound formed from thread and bare. Both elements are old English in origin: thread referred to a strand of spun fiber, while bare meant uncovered or without covering. The compound literally describes cloth worn until its threads show, and figurative meanings developed from that image of a surface no longer able to conceal its underlying weakness.
How threadbare is actually used
The word is especially vivid for clothing and can be used figuratively for excuses, arguments, styles, and plots. Its figurative use often conveys stronger criticism than the milder word worn.