Pronunciation: [θɹˈɛdbe͡ə] (IPA) 
The word "threadbare" is spelled with a silent "d" in the middle, making it pronounced as /ˈθrɛdbɛər/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This means that the "d" is not voiced or pronounced like a typical "d" sound. It is important to pay attention to the silent "d" when spelling or pronouncing this word, as leaving it out can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. "Threadbare" means worn out or shabby due to excessive use.
Threadbare is an adjective often used to describe clothes, fabrics, or other materials that have become worn from extensive use. It refers to the state of being so overworked and frayed that the threads of the fabric are thin and weak, almost to the point of being threadless. When something is threadbare, it typically appears tattered, with patches where the fabric has worn away, or with holes and thin spots that expose the threads underneath.
Beyond its literal meaning, threadbare can also describe ideas, arguments, or stories that have been overused to the point of losing their original meaning or impact. In this sense, it suggests that the subject or reasoning behind something has become repetitious, predictable, or no longer convincing due to being excessively employed.
In a broader context, threadbare can express the idea of something being worn out, weary, or exhausted. It denotes a state of depletion or fatigue in which the subject has been drained of vitality, freshness, or originality, whether it pertains to physical objects, concepts, or even individuals. Consequently, when something is described as threadbare, it implies that it is in dire need of restoration, rejuvenation, or replacement.
Worn to the threads, or deprived of the nap, as cloth; worn out; used till it has lost its interest or novelty; trite.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "threadbare" is derived from Old English, where "thred" meant "thread" and "beorh" meant "bare". The word combines these two elements to describe something that has been worn down or frayed to the point of being almost bare. Over time, "threadbare" evolved to represent not just the literal condition of worn-out fabric, but also metaphorically applied to ideas, arguments, or excuses that have become overused and lost their effectiveness.
