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.
If your kitchen sink is constantly experiencing slow-moving drains, Piper says grease is the likely leading reason that can, over time, wear down the movement of your pipes. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 8 May 2026 Social Security’s community touch was worn down in stages. E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 7 May 2026 But as the war wears on, those reserves wear down — along with the energy security prioritized by Xi’s government. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 6 May 2026 The Wild had worn down the Stars in Round 1 with relentless physical play and set the tone early in the game versus Colorado. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 4 May 2026 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 May. 2026.

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