damaged goods

USAGE SUMMARY

"damaged goods" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to refer to something that has been damaged or rendered less valuable or desirable due to a flaw or defect. For example, "The store was selling damaged goods at a discount, so I took the opportunity to get a new coat at a lower price."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Literature

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes: damaged goods.

The New Yorker

"I'm damaged goods," he said.

The New York Times

No. She's damaged goods.

The New York Times - Magazine

He's damaged goods".

The New York Times

The player was also damaged goods.

The New York Times - Sports

But he is also damaged goods.

The Economist

"They were damaged goods," Pecora said.

The New York Times - Sports

The Byrds were damaged goods.

The Guardian - Music

We were both damaged goods.

The Guardian

I was damaged goods, contaminated.

The Guardian

I felt like damaged goods.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "damaged goods" to describe a person, be mindful of the potentially insensitive connotation. Consider whether a more compassionate phrase might be appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "damaged goods" solely for items with minor cosmetic flaws. The phrase usually implies a significant defect affecting usability or value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "damaged goods" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a direct object, subject complement, or adjectival modifier. Ludwig provides examples where it describes both physical items and individuals, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "damaged goods" is a common and versatile noun phrase used to describe something or someone that is flawed, impaired, or reduced in value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. While primarily employed in news and media, its usage extends to business and even personal contexts. However, it's crucial to be mindful of the potentially insensitive connotation when applying it to individuals, as highlighted in the writing guidance. Exploring related phrases like ""flawed merchandise"" or ""defective products"" can provide alternative options depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flawed merchandise

Focuses on the imperfection or defect in the goods.

defective products

Emphasizes that the goods do not meet the required standards.

impaired items

Highlights the diminished quality or functionality of the items.

substandard materials

Indicates the goods are below the expected level of quality.

tainted reputation

Shifts the focus to a damaged reputation rather than physical goods.

compromised integrity

Emphasizes the loss of soundness or moral principles.

shopworn articles

Implies the goods have been handled excessively and are no longer new.

second-rate items

Highlights that the goods are of lower quality than others.

written-off assets

Focuses on the financial aspect of goods that have lost their value.

unsaleable stock

Emphasizes that the goods cannot be sold in their current condition.

FAQs

How can I use "damaged goods" in a sentence?

You can use "damaged goods" to describe items that are not in perfect condition or people who have experienced trauma. For example, "The store sells slightly "damaged goods" at a discount" or "After the accident, he felt like "damaged goods"".

What are some alternative phrases to "damaged goods"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "flawed merchandise", "defective products", or "impaired items".

Is it appropriate to use "damaged goods" to describe a person?

While "damaged goods" can be used metaphorically to describe a person who has experienced trauma or hardship, it's important to be sensitive and consider whether a less stigmatizing term might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives such as "wounded" or "struggling".

What's the difference between "damaged goods" and "second-hand items"?

"Damaged goods" implies that the item has a defect or is not in perfect condition, while "second-hand items" simply means that the item has been previously owned but may still be in good working order.