Shopworn: meaning, definitions and examples

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shopworn

 

[ ˈʃɒpˌwɔrn ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

descriptive usage

The term 'shopworn' describes items that have been displayed for sale so long that they are no longer in pristine condition; they may show signs of wear, fading, or damage. This word can also refer to ideas or phrases that have become clichéd or trite due to overuse. Shopworn items may attract less desirable attention due to their appearance, as they can suggest poor quality or lack of freshness. The term often carries a negative connotation, implying that something is less appealing because it has been overly experienced or seen.

Synonyms

hackneyed, stale, tired, worn out.

Examples of usage

  • The shopworn dress looked unappealing on the rack.
  • She avoided the shopworn ideas that were prevalent in the discourse.
  • The once bright signage was now shopworn and faded.

Translations

Translations of the word "shopworn" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desgastado

🇮🇳 पुराना

🇩🇪 abgedroschen

🇮🇩 usang

🇺🇦 зношений

🇵🇱 zużyty

🇯🇵 古びた

🇫🇷 usé

🇪🇸 gastado

🇹🇷 eski

🇰🇷 낡은

🇸🇦 قديم

🇨🇿 opotřebovaný

🇸🇰 opotrebovaný

🇨🇳 磨损的

🇸🇮 obrabljen

🇮🇸 notaður

🇰🇿 ескі

🇬🇪 ძველი

🇦🇿 köhnə

🇲🇽 gastado

Etymology

The word 'shopworn' originates from the combination of 'shop,' which comes from the Old English 'sceoppa,' meaning a structure for trade or a place of business, and 'worn,' derived from the past participle of 'wear' which traces back to the Old English 'werian,' indicating to carry or have on. The compound formation suggests an item that has traveled through the commercial space and endured visual and functional degradation due to being displayed or handled. Its use began to gain traction around the late 19th century as retail practices evolved, with an increase in consumer goods being displayed in physical shops. As more items made their way to stores, terminology to describe their condition also became essential, leading to the emergence of shopworn as a distinct term. Over the years, the use of 'shopworn' has shifted to include figurative meanings, extending to ideas that have lost their freshness or impact due to excessive repetition in language or discussions.