Knackered: Word Meaning, Examples, Origin & Usage in IELTS

If you have ever felt completely drained of energy after a long day, the word ‘knackered’ perfectly captures that exhaustion. This informal yet expressive term is widely used in the UK and other English-speaking countries to describe being extremely tired, worn out, or broken down. So, whether it is after a grueling workout, a long shift at work, or when describing an old machine that no longer works properly, adding ‘knackered’ to your IELTS Vocabulary Words List for Band 8 or 9 is essential, as it fits naturally in everyday conversations.

In this blog post, we will examine the meaning, origin, history, synonyms and antonyms of the word, as well as its proper usage of the term ‘knackered’ within the context of IELTS, reinforcing our understanding through practical exercises.

Meaning of Knackered

• Pronunciation: /ˈnækəd/ (sounds like na·kuhd)

According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, knackered means ‘very tired; exhausted’. The Collins English Dictionary defines it as ‘If you say that you are knackered, you mean that you are extremely tired.’.

In informal usage, knackered can also mean broken, damaged, or useless (e.g., My old phone is completely knackered).

History and Origin of Knackered

The word ‘knackered’ comes from the noun “knacker,” which originally referred to a person whose job was to dispose of old or worn-out animals, especially horses.

• The verb “to knacker” thus came to mean to tire out, exhaust, or wear down.
• First recorded in the 19th century, knackered eventually evolved into slang for being physically or mentally worn out, as well as describing objects that were no longer functional.

So when someone says they’re knackered, they’re comparing their tiredness to something worn out and ready to collapse.

Usage & Examples of Knackered

Let us look at some example sentences where the word ‘knackered’ has been used in its adjective form. So, given below are some sentences using the word in different contexts.

• She was too knackered to join them for dinner.
• I’m too knackered to go out this evening.
• After running the marathon, she was absolutely knackered and could barely stand.
• My laptop is completely knackered; it won’t even turn on anymore.
• He looked so knackered after studying all night for the exam.
• The team was knackered, but they still celebrated their victory.

IELTS Usage of ‘Knackered’

Since ‘knackered’ is informal British slang, it is best used in IELTS Speaking, not in formal writing. Using it naturally in conversation shows cultural knowledge of English.

IELTS Speaking Part 1

• Question: Do you often feel tired after work or study?
• Sample Answer: “Yes, absolutely. After a long day of commuting and classes, I usually feel completely knackered. Sometimes I don’t even have the energy to cook, so I just grab something quick.”

IELTS Speaking Part 2

• Cue Card: Describe a time when you felt very tired.
• Answer Excerpt: “Last year, I participated in a charity marathon. It was my first time running such a long distance, and by the end of it, I was utterly knackered. My legs were sore, and I could hardly keep my eyes open. But despite feeling so exhausted, I also felt proud of completing the challenge.”

IELTS Speaking Part 3

• Question: Do you think modern lifestyles make people more tired than in the past?
• Sample Answer: “Yes, I believe so. With long working hours, constant use of technology, and busy schedules, many people end up feeling knackered by the evening. Unlike in the past, there’s less downtime, so physical and mental fatigue accumulates much faster.”

Synonyms of Knackered

Given below, in the table, you will find some close synonyms for IELTS Writing and Speaking of the word ‘knackered’, each explained with a sample sentence.

Antonyms of Knackered

Take a look at the table below to find some synonyms of the word ‘knackered’ and improve your IELTS vocabulary.

Exercise to Master the Meaning of Knackered

In order to strengthen your understanding of the word ‘knackered’, take the following exercises.

1 Which of the following situations BEST illustrates the informal British usage of knackered?

A A politician was knackered after delivering a lengthy speech.

B The computer was knackered after multiple attempts to restart it.

C The cake was knackered after being decorated with too much icing.

D The football player was knackered after scoring the winning goal.

2 Which sentence would sound unnatural with the use of knackered?

A After three connecting flights, I was absolutely knackered.

B My phone is completely knackered; the screen doesn’t work anymore.

C The company’s annual report was knackered with impressive statistics.

D He looked so knackered after the 10-hour road trip.

3 Which of the following is the closest formal replacement for knackered in academic writing?

A Exhausted

B Ecstatic

C Refreshed

D) Lively

4 In IELTS Speaking, which of these answers uses knackered most appropriately?

A “I was so knackered after reading a boring article that I fell asleep.”

B “The lecture hall was knackered with hundreds of students attending.”

C “After working on my project all night, I was completely knackered the next morning.”

D “The flowers were knackered in full bloom and looked beautiful.”

5 If someone says, “My shoes are knackered,” what do they most likely mean?

A Their shoes are extremely stylish.

BB) Their shoes are old and worn out.

C Their shoes are lost.

D Their shoes are brand new.

Answer Key

1 B and D → Both fit, but (B) and (D) are classic informal uses: exhaustion of people and damage of objects.

2 C → You wouldn’t describe a report as knackered.

3 A Exhausted → This is the most formal equivalent.

4 C → Fits IELTS Speaking naturally.

5 B Their shoes are old and worn out.

In the end, today, it is widely used to describe people, objects, or even emotions that are completely drained. For learners of English, especially IELTS candidates, knackered adds authenticity and cultural richness to spoken English. Therefore, begin to use it correctly when you are taking free IELTS practice tests for speech, since it is a word that enhances your ability to express yourself.

Useful Links:

• Volatile: Word Meaning, Examples, Origin & Usage in IELTS
• Sonder: Word Meaning, Examples, Origin & Usage in IELTS
• Tough It Out Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
• 501 Synonym & Antonym Questions and Answer Key ( Part 5)
• 100+ Advanced Vocabulary Word List for IELTS (PDF Available)
• Five Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary
• Cambridge English Vocabulary in Use Advanced: Ebook with Answers