wear down

verb

wore down; worn down; wearing down; wears down
Synonyms of wear downnext

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.
Tech’s defense only allowed six first-half points to the Ducks, but that group was eventually worn down because of an offense that barely eclipsed 200 yards, and finished 6-of-19 on third and fourth downs. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Jan. 2026 But any defense is worn down by poor field position and the burden of 81 snaps. Kevin Sherrington jan. 1, Dallas Morning News, 1 Jan. 2026 Beyond being unsightly, mold can also wear down grout over time and contribute to poor indoor air quality if left untreated. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025 The Red Wolves wore down the Razorbacks by going 11 deep in their rotation and pressing from tipoff to the final buzzer. Arkansas Online, 28 Dec. 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 8 Jan. 2026.

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