careworn - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
careworn Word Meanings
- looking tired and unhappy due to worry
- worn out by care and anxiety
- showing signs of fatigue and distress
careworn Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
careworn Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈkɛəwɔːn/
US
/ˈkeɪwɔrn/
careworn Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'care' + 'worn'. Historical origin: Old English 'cear' (care) + 'worn' (past participle of wear). Memory image: Picture an old tree, gnarled and bent from the weight of heavy storms, symbolizing a face marked by worry and fatigue.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Careworn describes a face or demeanor showing deep fatigue and worry, usually after long periods of stress, heavy responsibility, or ongoing concerns about health, finances, or the future. It implies more than physical tiredness: a weathered look that hints at hardship endured over time. The word combines care with worn, evoking someone who has cared a great deal and paid a toll for it. In use, you can describe a person, but also landscapes or scenes that seem worn down by pressure. It carries a sympathetic tone, suggesting endurance and vulnerability at once, rather than simple tiredness.
Usage Reminders
- Notice how careworn emphasizes emotion and duration
- Use with care: not every tired look qualifies
- Pair with look, seem, or appear
- Keep tone respectful or sympathetic
- Avoid overgeneralizing about a person’s character
- Practice in descriptive writing or narration
Common Misconceptions
- Mistaking careworn for physically worn-out clothes or objects
- Thinking it means only tiredness, not worry or hardship
- Using careworn to describe merely old or dusty surroundings
- Overgeneralizing to describe someone who’s just having a bad day
- Confusing with weary or exhausted as direct synonyms
Thinking Differences
Careworn is a literary, empathetic term in English. Learners often overemphasize physical fatigue or misread it as worn-out belongings. It tends to describe a sustained, human burden rather than a quick, temporary tiredness.
Learning Tips
- Focus on emotional nuance (fatigue + worry) rather than just tiredness
- Use with nouns like face, expression, or appearance
- Pair with look, seem, or appear for smoother phrasing
- Reserve for serious or empathetic contexts
- Compare with related terms: worn, weary, exhausted
- Practice in narration to convey character hardship
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'careworn' mean?
A.Tired and worn out from worry
B.Bright and cheerful
C.Well-rested and refreshed
D.Energetic and lively
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'careworn' correctly?
A.The children played outside with careworn smiles.
B.After weeks of stress, she had a careworn expression on her face.
C.The careworn car broke down on the highway.
D.He entered the room with a careworn stride.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'careworn'?
A.Happy
B.Exhausted
C.Excited
D.Calm
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'careworn'?
A.Anxious
B.Content
C.Distressed
D.Tired
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might appear careworn?
A.Someone working excessively long hours to support a family
B.A person after a long vacation
C.An athlete celebrating a victory
D.A child excited for a birthday party
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