Wear down

Pro Tip 1/3

Continuous 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 2/3

Physical 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 3/3

Gradual 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.