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 former child star appeared to be wearing minimal to no makeup, and her brown hair was worn down. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 1 July 2025 His ability to finish runs and wear down defenses should give the Tigers a consistent late-game option. Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2025 The better-than-expected inflation reading is welcome news for Americans worn down by the higher cost of living and who are fearful of whether tariffs will drive that higher. Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 11 June 2025 As for her glam, the Spanish royal’s hair was styled with a side part and worn down with natural waves. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 June 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 5 Jul. 2025.

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