1 B1 neutral
To reduce the thickness or effectiveness of a physical object through constant friction or use.
"The heels of his boots had been worn down to almost nothing."
separable
wear down
B2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To gradually reduce the resistance, energy, or strength of something or someone through persistent pressure or use.
In plain English
To make someone or something slowly lose strength or give up by keeping the pressure on.
What does "wear down" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To gradually break down someone's determination, resistance, or energy through persistent effort.
"The long siege was designed to wear down the enemy's will to fight."
separable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
To exhaust or demoralise someone through constant demands or difficulties.
"Years of caring for her elderly parents had really worn her down."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To wear something until it has been reduced in size — naturally extends to emotional and psychological attrition.
Actually means
To make someone or something slowly lose strength or give up by keeping the pressure on.
Usage tip
Used literally for physical objects that erode over time, and figuratively for people whose resistance or energy is slowly depleted. The figurative sense is very common in military, political, and personal contexts.
Words that pair with "wear down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
resistance opposition heel sole patience enemy opponent
How to conjugate "wear down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
wear down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wears down
he/she/it
Past simple
wore down
yesterday
Past participle
worn down
have + pp
-ing form
wearing down
continuous
Hear "wear down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "wear down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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