The Idiom Attic - a collection of hundreds of English idioms, each one explained.
The meaning of "worse for wear"
" Worse for wear "
Meaning:
Either 1. Shabby and worn out, or 2. Drunk.
Example:
1. This winter coat is a few years old now and is starting to look a bit worse for wear. 2. I know it's Jack's leaving do and he wants to stay until the end but, after all those tequia slammers, he's begining to look a little worse for wear.