Becomes Threadbare is a term used to describe an item that has been worn down and is no longer in good condition. FRAYS, which is a 5 letter word, means to become unraveled or tattered. Wears, also a 5 letter word, means to have something on one's body or to use something over time. Wearsout, an 8 letter word, means to use something until it is no longer usable. Together, these words describe the process of an item becoming threadbare, which is when it has been worn down and is no longer in good condition.