down-at-heel
Looking rather threadbare
Down-at-heel describes someone or something shabby, worn, or impoverished—like shoes with heels worn down from long use.
A down-at-heel neighborhood has seen better days.
A down-at-heel gentleman retains traces of former respectability despite current shabbiness.
The phrase suggests genteel decline rather than outright destitution.
Also spelled down-at-the-heel.
Worn until transparent
- frayedUnraveled at edges
- tatteredRipped and worn out
- raggedWorn to shreds
- scruffyMessily neglected in appearance
worn-out · moth-eaten · faded · patched · dingy · seedy · mangy · rumpled
Quick overview of facts
- ramshackleBadly deteriorated from neglect
- crumblingBreaking down gradually
- decrepitWorn by age
- derelictAbandoned or neglectful
neglected · decayed · deteriorated · tumbledown · rickety · ruined · broken-down · unrepaired
Utterly without means
- penuriousExcessively frugal or poor
- indigentExtremely poor, lacking necessities
- pennilessCompletely without money
- needyWanting in essentials
hard-up · broke · strapped · struggling · disadvantaged · underprivileged · reduced · pinched
Sad and abandoned
- wretchedExtremely unhappy or unfortunate
- downcastSad or despondent
- dispiritedHaving lost heart
- crestfallenSad from disappointment
hangdog · woebegone · defeated · world-weary · careworn · demoralized · hopeless · despondent
threadbare
Worn until transparent
scruffy · worn-out · moth-eaten · faded · patched · dingy · seedy · mangy · rumpled · tatty
rundown
Quick overview of facts
- ramshackleBadly deteriorated from neglect
- crumblingBreaking down gradually
- decrepitWorn by age
derelict · neglected · decayed · deteriorated · tumbledown · rickety · ruined · broken-down · unrepaired · unmaintained
destitute
Utterly without means
- penuriousExcessively frugal or poor
- indigentExtremely poor, lacking necessities
- pennilessCompletely without money
needy · hard-up · broke · strapped · struggling · disadvantaged · underprivileged · reduced · pinched · wanting
forlorn
Sad and abandoned
- wretchedExtremely unhappy or unfortunate
- downcastSad or despondent
- dispiritedHaving lost heart
crestfallen · hangdog · woebegone · defeated · world-weary · careworn · demoralized · hopeless · despondent · low
down-at-heelprosperous
Enjoying wealth and success
affluent · well-heeled · wealthy · well-off · rich
down-at-heelwell-groomed
Neat and tidy
polished · well-turned-out · immaculate · smart · dapper
down-at-heelrespectable
Worthy of regard
distinguished · upscale · refined · genteel · classy