In shreds Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Physical Destruction Used when something is torn apart or has suffered extreme damage, often beyond repair. The tornado left the house in shreds. Pro Tip 2/3Beyond Recognition Suggests that something is so damaged it is no longer recognizable. The documents were in shreds, impossible to piece together. Pro Tip 3/3Severe Wear Indicates a high degree of wear or use, especially for clothes or fabric. His jeans were in shreds after the long hike.