Wear down
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.
Often appears as...
- wear down resistance
- wear down patience
verb
To make someone feel tired or less determined after a long period of stress.
The constant pressure of her job began to wear her down.
Often appears as...
- wear down nerves
- wear down energy
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.
Often appears as...
- wear down resistance
- wear down patience
verb
To make someone feel tired or less determined after a long period of stress.
The constant pressure of her job began to wear her down.
Often appears as...
- wear down nerves
- wear down energy
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Continuous Effect
Think of 'wear down' as a slow process, not something that happens suddenly or quickly.
Walking every day will gradually wear down your shoes.
Pro Tip 2/3Physical Objects
'Wear down' often applies to the physical degradation of objects over time.
The statue wore down after centuries of exposure to the elements.
Pro Tip 3/3Gradual Change
Use 'wear down' when you want to express a gradual reduction or change, rather than an abrupt one.
The river slowly wore down the rocks into smooth pebbles.
Pro Tip 1/3Continuous Effect
Think of 'wear down' as a slow process, not something that happens suddenly or quickly.
Walking every day will gradually wear down your shoes.
Pro Tip 2/3Physical Objects
'Wear down' often applies to the physical degradation of objects over time.
The statue wore down after centuries of exposure to the elements.
Pro Tip 3/3Gradual Change
Use 'wear down' when you want to express a gradual reduction or change, rather than an abrupt one.
The river slowly wore down the rocks into smooth pebbles.
Pro Tip 1/3Continuous Effect
Think of 'wear down' as a slow process, not something that happens suddenly or quickly.
Walking every day will gradually wear down your shoes.
Pro Tip 2/3Physical Objects
'Wear down' often applies to the physical degradation of objects over time.
The statue wore down after centuries of exposure to the elements.
Pro Tip 3/3Gradual Change
Use 'wear down' when you want to express a gradual reduction or change, rather than an abrupt one.
The river slowly wore down the rocks into smooth pebbles.
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