wear down

verb

wore down; worn down; wearing down; wears down

transitive verb

: to weary and overcome by persistent resistance or pressure

Examples of wear down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The story of the match was Jey Uso being worn down by the heels, only for Cena and Paul to turn on each other, allowing a hot tag to Cody. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025 Thibodeau faced criticism that his hard-driving style and overreliance on starters wore down his players, the same critiques that have followed him since his head coaching career began with the Chicago Bulls. Brian Mahoney, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025 Despite Marcelo Bielsa’s wishes, these players are human and do wear down. Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 30 May 2025 Rai’s hair was styled straight and worn down, with styling provided by Stephane Lancien. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for wear down

Word History

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wear down was in 1774

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Cite this Entry

“Wear down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wear%20down. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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