worm-eaten
Riddled with holes
Worm-eaten describes something damaged by burrowing worms, larvae, or insects: worm-eaten timber, a worm-eaten apple.
The word extends to anything decayed, corrupted, or antiquated: worm-eaten traditions, a worm-eaten bureaucracy.
The image suggests slow deterioration from within, hollowed out while the surface remains deceptively intact.
Lacking interest or engagement
- tunneledDug a subterranean route
- burrowedDug a hole beneath
- perforatedHaving holes throughout
- riddledPierced throughout
larvae · grubs · woodworm · beetle · honeycombed · galleries · frass · holes
Decomposed over time
- decomposedBroken into simpler parts
- crumblingBreaking down gradually
- deterioratedBecame worse over time
- molderingSlowly decomposing over time
disintegrated · spoiled · perished · blighted · consumed · ruined · eroded · decaying
Liable to shatter
- crumblyProne to fragmenting
- delicateEasily broken or harmed
- frailWeak and breakable
- weakenedMade less capable
splintery · friable · powdery · unstable · compromised · precarious · unsound · soft
Surface film from aging
- heirloomInherited family treasure
- vintageQuality from past eras
- relicPreserved ancient object
- furnitureMovable room objects
restoration · provenance · artifact · mahogany · oak · timber · beams · floorboards
bored
Lacking interest or engagement
- tunneledDug a subterranean route
- burrowedDug a hole beneath
- perforatedHaving holes throughout
riddled · larvae · grubs · woodworm · beetle · honeycombed · galleries · frass · holes · channels
rotted
Decomposed over time
- decomposedBroken into simpler parts
- crumblingBreaking down gradually
- deterioratedBecame worse over time
moldering · disintegrated · spoiled · perished · blighted · consumed · ruined · eroded · decaying · weathered
brittle
Liable to shatter
weakened · splintery · friable · powdery · unstable · compromised · precarious · unsound · soft · punky
patina
Surface film from aging
furniture · restoration · provenance · artifact · mahogany · oak · timber · beams · floorboards · paneling