threadbare
/ˈθrɛdˌbɛr/
adjective
- (of fabric or clothing) worn so thin that the threads are visible; shabby from overuse.
- The old rug had become threadbare from years of foot traffic.
- His coat was threadbare at the elbows.
- She replaced the threadbare curtains with new ones.
- (of an argument, excuse, or idea) weak, overused, and no longer effective or convincing.
- That joke is so threadbare that nobody laughs anymore.
- The politician's threadbare promises failed to inspire anyone.
- He offered a threadbare excuse for being late.