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.
Male fertility is a whole-body health issue If chronic stress is wearing down the body, fertility may be one more place where that shows up. Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026 Though it was used during World War II as a convalescent home for Italian soldiers and later operated as a bed-and-breakfast, which left parts of it worn down, Les Colombières stayed in the Ladan-Bockairy family until 1995. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2026 Washington is a decisive downhill runner who has the size (6-2, 228 pounds) to wear down defenses. Omar Kelly april 20, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026 For those of us who cannot jet off to an island, filling the time in a way that keeps the kids happy often seems to wear down parents. Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 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 27 Apr. 2026.

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