wear away
phrasal verb
wore away; worn away; wearing away; wears away
: to gradually disappear or to cause (something) to gradually disappear or become thinner, smaller, etc., because of use
The paint on the sign had worn away.
Even a trickle of water will eventually wear rock away.
—often used as (be) worn awayThe table's finish was worn away.
Examples of wear away in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
If gum disease worsens, the gums and tissues around the teeth start to wear away, affecting stability.
—
Mark Gurarie, Health, 29 May 2025
Over time, the piecemeal and uncertain nature of the justice in the Lockerbie case has worn away at the cherished myths of my childhood.
—Henry Leutwyler Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Outdoor brick is up for plenty of environmental elements—water among them—but indoor brick is another story, once again, thanks to its protective sealant that can be worn away or damaged with the introduction of water.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Enamel erosion: Over time, acids in foods and drinks can break down and wear away tooth enamel, causing symptoms.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for wear away
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Mark Gurarie, Health, 29 May 2025
Over time, the piecemeal and uncertain nature of the justice in the Lockerbie case has worn away at the cherished myths of my childhood.
—Henry Leutwyler Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Outdoor brick is up for plenty of environmental elements—water among them—but indoor brick is another story, once again, thanks to its protective sealant that can be worn away or damaged with the introduction of water.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Enamel erosion: Over time, acids in foods and drinks can break down and wear away tooth enamel, causing symptoms.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for wear away
Cite this Entry
“Wear away.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wear%20away. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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