washed-up

adjective

ˈwȯsht-ˈəp How to pronounce washed-up (audio)
ˈwäsht-
: no longer successful, skillful, popular, or needed
washed-up athletes
a washed-up actor

Examples of washed-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Forget washed-up — Escola might not yet be a widely recognizable name, but the 37-year-old is on track to become one of the most original and influential voices in the alternative comedy scene. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2024 She was shocked these kids didn’t see her as washed-up. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'washed-up.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of washed-up was in 1928

Dictionary Entries Near washed-up

Cite this Entry

“Washed-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/washed-up. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

washed-up

adjective
ˈwȯsh-ˈtəp,
ˈwäsh-
: no longer successful, popular, or needed

More from Merriam-Webster on washed-up

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