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.
Though the story wears down its tread, strong performances elevate the material. Courtney Howard, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025 Over time, the analog sticks' internals wore down, leading to frustratingly inaccurate controls. Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, Broome wore down and could not keep pace with Clayton, his fellow All-American and fellow south central Florida native. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2025 Chondroitin sulfate has become increasingly popular for managing joint pain, particularly related to osteoarthritis (when the protective cartilage within the joints wears down over time). Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 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 25 Apr. 2025.

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