Similes are powerful tools in the English language that make writing more vivid and relatable. They compare one thing to another using the words “like” or “as”, helping us paint stronger mental pictures.
One of the most common feelings people describe with similes is tiredness—a universal experience that connects us all.
Whether you’re exhausted from work, drained from studying, or simply sleepy after a long day, using creative similes for tired can bring your expression to life.
In this article, you’ll discover 26 unique similes for tired, complete with meanings, examples, and tips for using them in your own writing.
Stick around—you might just find the perfect phrase for your next essay, poem, or casual conversation.
What Is a Simile?
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words “like” or “as”. For example, saying “I’m as tired as a worn-out shoe” paints a clear image of exhaustion.
Quick Table of 5 Similes for Tired
| Simile | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| As tired as a dog | Extremely exhausted | After running the marathon, he was as tired as a dog. |
| Like a deflated balloon | Drained of energy | By the end of the exam, she felt like a deflated balloon. |
| As tired as an old engine | Worn out and struggling | He woke up as tired as an old engine sputtering to start. |
| Like a candle burning at both ends | Exhausted from overwork | She was like a candle burning at both ends, barely standing. |
| As tired as a mother with a newborn | Deeply exhausted | He was as tired as a mother with a newborn after working overnight. |
Full List of 26 Similes for Tired
1. As tired as a dog
Meaning: Very exhausted, often after physical effort.
- He was as tired as a dog after helping his friend move furniture.
- She came home as tired as a dog from her double shift.
2. Like a deflated balloon
Meaning: Completely drained of energy or enthusiasm.
- By midnight, she felt like a deflated balloon after the party.
- He looked like a deflated balloon after the stressful meeting.
3. As tired as an old engine
Meaning: Worn out, sluggish, and barely functioning.
- He dragged himself out of bed, as tired as an old engine.
- After the hike, she was as tired as an old engine sputtering along.
4. Like a candle burning at both ends
Meaning: Exhausted from overworking and lack of rest.
- He lived like a candle burning at both ends, working and studying.
- She felt like a candle burning at both ends during exam week.
5. As tired as a mother with a newborn
Meaning: Utterly drained, beyond ordinary tiredness.
- After three days of travel, he was as tired as a mother with a newborn.
- She was as tired as a mother with a newborn after endless nights awake.
6. Like a phone with no battery
Meaning: Completely out of energy and unable to function.
- By the afternoon, he felt like a phone with no battery.
- She slumped on the couch like a phone with no battery.
7. As tired as wet laundry
Meaning: Heavy, weak, and drained.
- He was as tired as wet laundry after the long rehearsal.
- She felt as tired as wet laundry after cleaning the house.
8. Like a soldier after battle
Meaning: Utterly exhausted from a struggle or effort.
- He collapsed like a soldier after battle when the project was done.
- She felt like a soldier after battle after presenting her thesis.
9. As tired as a worn-out shoe
Meaning: Old, overused, and exhausted.
- After weeks of traveling, he was as tired as a worn-out shoe.
- She was as tired as a worn-out shoe from working nonstop.
10. Like a faded flower
Meaning: Drained of energy and life, weak and drooping.
- She looked like a faded flower after the long flight.
- He felt like a faded flower at the end of the week.
11. As tired as a marathon runner
Meaning: Physically exhausted after long effort.
- He was as tired as a marathon runner after carrying boxes all day.
- She was as tired as a marathon runner after finals week.
12. Like a burnt-out light bulb
Meaning: Without energy, useless, or drained.
- She sat like a burnt-out light bulb after her shift.
- He felt like a burnt-out light bulb after too much overtime.
13. As tired as a snail in the sun
Meaning: Moving slowly and sluggishly from exhaustion.
- He was as tired as a snail in the sun after running errands.
- She walked as tired as a snail in the sun after training.
14. Like a shipwreck
Meaning: Completely broken down and exhausted.
- He collapsed like a shipwreck after the long trip.
- She looked like a shipwreck after staying awake all night.
15. As tired as a child past bedtime
Meaning: Fussy, restless, and worn out.
- She was as tired as a child past bedtime, struggling to stay awake.
- He yawned, as tired as a child past bedtime, during the meeting.
16. Like ashes after a fire
Meaning: Empty, drained of all energy or spark.
- He felt like ashes after a fire after the breakup.
- She sat silently, like ashes after a fire, with no energy to talk.
17. As tired as a broken clock
Meaning: Out of function, worn down.
- He was as tired as a broken clock after working late.
- She looked as tired as a broken clock in the morning.
18. Like a rag doll
Meaning: Limp, weak, and without strength.
- She collapsed like a rag doll on the couch.
- He fell asleep like a rag doll in the chair.
19. As tired as midnight itself
Meaning: Symbolic of deep, quiet exhaustion.
- He was as tired as midnight itself after traveling.
- She felt as tired as midnight itself after a long rehearsal.
20. Like an empty gas tank
Meaning: Completely out of strength or power.
- He felt like an empty gas tank after soccer practice.
- She sat like an empty gas tank, unable to move.
21. As tired as a stone
Meaning: Still, lifeless, and heavy with exhaustion.
- She slept as tired as a stone.
- He was as tired as a stone after staying up all night.
22. Like a puppet with cut strings
Meaning: Weak, collapsed, and without control.
- She dropped like a puppet with cut strings after the race.
- He moved like a puppet with cut strings after the exam.
23. As tired as a wilting plant
Meaning: Drooping, weak, and needing rest.
- She looked as tired as a wilting plant in the heat.
- He was as tired as a wilting plant after practice.
24. Like a snowman in the sun
Meaning: Slowly melting away, drained.
- He felt like a snowman in the sun during the long meeting.
- She worked like a snowman in the sun, losing energy fast.
25. As tired as a miner after a long shift
Meaning: Completely worn out by labor.
- He was as tired as a miner after a long shift.
- She returned home as tired as a miner after a long shift.
26. Like a runner hitting the wall
Meaning: Suddenly exhausted, unable to keep going.
- He collapsed like a runner hitting the wall in the last mile.
- She felt like a runner hitting the wall during the exam.
How to Use These Similes in Your Writing
Want to make your writing sparkle? These similes are perfect for:
- Poems – Add emotion and imagery to describe exhaustion.
- Stories – Bring characters to life by showing how drained they feel.
- Songs – Express deep weariness in relatable, creative ways.
- Essays – Enrich descriptions and keep readers engaged.
Tip: Don’t overuse similes—sprinkle them naturally to enhance, not overload, your writing.
FAQs
What is a simile for being tired?
A simile for tired compares exhaustion to something familiar, like “as tired as a dog” or “like a phone with no battery.”
Why do writers use similes for tiredness?
Writers use similes to make descriptions more vivid and relatable, helping readers feel the tiredness.
Can I use similes for tired in formal writing?
Yes, but sparingly. They work best in creative essays, stories, or speeches, not in overly academic writing.
What is the difference between simile and metaphor for tired?
A simile uses “like” or “as” (e.g., “tired as a stone”), while a metaphor states it directly (“I am a stone”).
What is the most common simile for tired?
The phrase “as tired as a dog” is one of the most commonly used similes for exhaustion.
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