threadbare

/ˈthred-ˌber/

adjective

  1. having the nap worn off so that the thread shows : shabby

  2. wearing threadbare clothing : very, poor

  3. barely adequate because of cheapness or shabbiness

threadbare clothes

took in threadbare relatives

trite hackneyed stereotyped threadbare mean lacking the freshness that evokes attention or interest. trite applies to a once effective phrase or idea spoiled from long familiarity. hackneyed stresses being worn out by overuse so as to become dull and meaningless.