threadbare
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
China saves an enormous amount—partly because its financial system is built that way, and partly because households, facing a threadbare social safety net, sock away cash for old age and for illness.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026
Although England won the fourth Test in Melbourne, their first win in Australia for 14 years, their performances elsewhere were abject – a threadbare squad left ill-prepared for the demands of a tour down under.
From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026
Both Hole’s Courtney Love and Babes in Toyland’s Kat Bjelland claimed to be the first to perform in vintage, threadbare dresses with Peter Pan collars and puff sleeves, accessorized with knee socks and Mary Janes.
From Salon ● Jun. 12, 2026
The transfer will be a huge boost to Glasner, who said his threadbare side were in "survival mode" following Thursday's 1-1 draw with Fulham.
From Barron's ● Jan. 2, 2026
I also observed that his name, backward, was the French verb for wearing one’s clothes threadbare, so I told him that as well, with no offense intended as his clothes were fine.
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
Vocabulary lists containing threadbare
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The Great Gatsby
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List 4
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