Standard Lemma guide

careworn

adj · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˈkɛːwɔːn/
  • Southern-England: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • General-American: /ˈkɛəɹˌwɔɹn/

1

adj

Meaning 1

Worn down by cares: showing the signs of long-term stress, tired and haggard due to prolonged worry.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The weeks of working hard to look after his sick family left him looking careworn.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: drawn, woeworn, careworn, haggard, weary

Antonyms: none provided

2

adjective satellite

Meaning 2

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering- Charles Dickens

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • looking careworn as she bent over her mending
  • her face was drawn and haggard from sleeplessness
  • that raddled but still noble face
  • shocked to see the worn look of his handsome young face

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: drawn, haggard, raddled, worn

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From care (“sorrow, worry”) + worn.