1 B2 idiomatic neutral
For time to pass, especially slowly or tediously.
"As the afternoon wore on, the speakers became less interesting."
inseparable
wear on
B2 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
For time to pass slowly; or for something to gradually exhaust or irritate someone.
In plain English
When time passes slowly and feels tiring, or when something starts to annoy you more and more.
What does "wear on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To gradually irritate, exhaust, or frustrate someone over time.
"His constant complaining was beginning to wear on everyone in the office."
inseparable
Usage tip
The intransitive sense (time wears on) is common in literary and journalistic writing. The transitive sense (something wears on someone) is more colloquial. Both senses are found in American and British English.
Words that pair with "wear on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
evening day afternoon session nerves patience everyone
How to conjugate "wear on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
wear on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wears on
he/she/it
Past simple
wore on
yesterday
Past participle
worn on
have + pp
-ing form
wearing on
continuous
Hear "wear on" in the wild
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