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.
What to look for in a quality dog nail grinder Grinding speed Some grinders have a faster grinding speed, which quickly wears down the dog’s nail but offers less control. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025 Doormats are always made for outdoor use, but various climates will wear down the materials differently. Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2025 Plus, the zippers remain smooth after dozens of trips, and the structure hasn’t worn down, which shows that the backpack is crafted from quality materials. Toni Sutton, People.com, 17 July 2025 That means grabbing Ukraine's land and wearing down the morale of its people and communities through wave after wave of drone and missile attacks that have killed thousands of civilians, according to the United Nations. Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 13 July 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 29 Jul. 2025.

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