Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

basket case

noun

/ˈbæs.kɪt keɪs/

Definition

A person or a situation that is unable to function normally, often due to stress or mental strain.

Examples

After losing his job and going through a tough breakup, Jake felt like a total basket case.
She was so stressed out during finals week, everyone said she was a basket case.

Meaning

The term ‘basket case’ originally referred to a soldier who was so severely injured that they needed to be carried in a basket. It has since evolved to describe someone who is overwhelmed and unable to cope effectively with life’s challenges.