VocabDictionary

worn out shoes

/wɔːrn aʊt ʃuːz/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

Footwear that has been damaged, thinned, or rendered structurally unsound through extensive use and walking.

Example Sentences:
  • He had to throw away his worn out shoes after hiking the Appalachian trail.
  • Walking for miles in worn out shoes left his feet covered in blisters.
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Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “worn out shoes”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

The phrase combines the past participle of the verb 'wear' (from Old English 'werian', meaning to use or to clothe oneself), the adverb 'out' (indicating exhaustion or completion), and the plural noun 'shoe' (from Old English 'scōh'). Historically denoting footwear rendered useless through prolonged friction and use, the term metaphorically extends to concepts of exhaustion, poverty, or familiarity.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Picture shoes with holes in the soles ('worn out') that you've walked in so much they are 'out' of use.

Frequently Asked Questions About “worn out shoes

1. What is the meaning of “worn out shoes” in English?

In English, worn out shoes (noun) is defined as: “Footwear that has been damaged, thinned, or rendered structurally unsound through extensive use and walking.”.

2. How do you use “worn out shoes” in a sentence?

He had to throw away his worn out shoes after hiking the Appalachian trail.

3. What are English synonyms of “worn out shoes”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “worn out shoes”?

The phrase combines the past participle of the verb 'wear' (from Old English 'werian', meaning to use or to clothe oneself), the adverb 'out' (indicating exhaustion or completion), and the plural noun 'shoe' (from Old English 'scōh'). Historically denoting footwear rendered useless through prolonged friction and use, the term metaphorically extends to concepts of exhaustion, poverty, or familiarity.