1 B2 neutral
To gradually remove or destroy a physical surface through constant friction or exposure.
"Centuries of wind and rain had worn away the letters on the gravestone."
separable
wear away
B2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To gradually remove or destroy something through constant friction, use, or exposure.
In plain English
To slowly damage or remove something by rubbing or using it a lot over time.
What does "wear away" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To gradually reduce or diminish something abstract, such as confidence, patience, or memory.
"Years of criticism had slowly worn away her self-confidence."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To wear something until it disappears — directly describes the process of physical erosion.
Actually means
To slowly damage or remove something by rubbing or using it a lot over time.
Usage tip
Used literally for physical erosion (e.g., rock, stone, fabric) and figuratively for the gradual weakening of resolve, memory, or emotion. Common across all English varieties.
Words that pair with "wear away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
rock stone path inscription paint resistance patience memory
How to conjugate "wear away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
wear away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wears away
he/she/it
Past simple
wore away
yesterday
Past participle
worn away
have + pp
-ing form
wearing away
continuous
Hear "wear away" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "wear away" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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