Wear down

usgb
verb

To gradually decrease something's strength, value, or effectiveness through continuous pressure or use.

Constant friction can wear down your car tires over time.
Visual representation of "wear down" - To gradually decrease something's strength, value, or effectiveness through continuous pressure or use.

Often appears as...

  • wear down resistance
  • wear down patience
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "wear down"
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Continuous Effect

Think of 'wear down' as a slow process, not something that happens suddenly or quickly.

Illustration for Continuous Effect
Walking every day will gradually wear down your shoes.
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Physical Objects

'Wear down' often applies to the physical degradation of objects over time.

Illustration for Physical Objects
The statue wore down after centuries of exposure to the elements.
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Gradual Change

Use 'wear down' when you want to express a gradual reduction or change, rather than an abrupt one.

Illustration for Gradual Change
The river slowly wore down the rocks into smooth pebbles.
Visual representation of the word "Wear down"

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