SportsAugust 25, 2026

threadbare

THRED-bair

Definition

Having very little of what is needed; meager, sparse, or severely depleted in strength or numbers.

Etymology

Originally used in the 16th century to describe fabric so worn that the threads are visible, it expanded metaphorically to describe any situation or group that is meager, sparse, or lacking substance.

In the news

The word describes Aston Villa's squad, which has been significantly depleted by summer player departures, leaving them with few available options for the upcoming match.

Aston Villa: Unai Emery's problems mounting ahead of Arsenal test after threadbare squad falls apart against Brighton

Read the full article ↗

Sky Sports

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