be a shadow of (someone's or something's) former self

be a shadow of (someone's or something's) former self

To be weaker or inferior in comparison to how someone or something was previously, often due to negative circumstances. After suffering from a prolonged illness, Sharon was a shadow of her former self. This town is a shadow of its former self after so many of its residents have moved away.

See also: former, of, shadow

be a shadow/ghost of your/its former ˈself

not have the strength, influence, etc. that you/something used to have: He’d been ill for some time, and he looked a shadow of his former self. ♢ The old house, which had once been so full of life, was now just a ghost of its former self.

See also: former, ghost, of, shadow