Careworn

Careworn describes a person whose appearance or demeanor reveals the effects of prolonged worry, fatigue, or hardship. It signifies a look or state of being marked by the emotional and physical strain of difficult experiences. A careworn individual often exhibits signs like lines on their face, a slumped posture, a weary expression, and a general sense of exhaustion, both visible and implied. This state typically results from chronic stress, financial difficulties, emotional burdens, or other significant life challenges. The word evokes a sense of empathy and acknowledges the impact of hardship on a person's well-being.

Careworn meaning with examples

• The old woman's face, etched with deep wrinkles and her eyes shadowed by fatigue, told the story of a careworn life spent battling hardship. Years of raising children alone and enduring multiple illnesses had taken a toll, leaving her appearance a map of resilience and pain. Her voice, though gentle, held the quiet weariness of countless sleepless nights.
• Returning from the war, the soldier was a changed man. The vibrant spark in his eyes was gone, replaced by a careworn expression reflecting the horrors he'd witnessed. His body, once strong and full of energy, moved with a new heaviness. The constant anxiety and nightmares haunted him and altered every interaction.
• The detective's careworn face, framed by thinning hair and tired eyes, reflected the weight of unsolved cases. Sleepless nights spent poring over evidence and chasing leads left him with a permanently etched frown. The pressure of the job, the constant exposure to human suffering, left him depleted.
• The economic downturn devastated the community, leaving many careworn. Families struggled to afford basic necessities. Anxiety over job security and unpaid bills left physical and emotional scars. Their collective worry became visible in their slumped shoulders and muted conversations.
• After the long journey, the explorers presented a careworn appearance. Covered in dust and mud, their clothes tattered and their faces gaunt, they looked far from the confident explorers they once were. Their weariness was a testament to the dangers they overcame and the relentless struggle for survival.