1 A2 neutral
To damage or destroy something through excessive use so that it can no longer be used.
"She wears out a pair of running shoes every three months."
separable
wear out
A2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To use something so much that it is damaged or no longer functions, or to make someone extremely tired.
In plain English
To use something until it breaks or doesn't work anymore, or to make someone very, very tired.
What does "wear out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To make someone extremely tired or to become extremely tired.
"Looking after four children all day completely wore me out."
separable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To use something so frequently that it loses its impact, freshness, or value.
"He wore out that excuse long ago — nobody believes him anymore."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To wear something outward to the point of destruction — transparent in meaning.
Actually means
To use something until it breaks or doesn't work anymore, or to make someone very, very tired.
Usage tip
One of the most common and versatile 'wear' phrasal verbs. Used for both objects (shoes, machines) and people (becoming exhausted). Extremely common in everyday conversation in all English-speaking countries. Also used as an adjective (worn-out shoes / a worn-out excuse).
Words that pair with "wear out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
shoes tyres welcome patience children batteries engine
How to conjugate "wear out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
wear out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wears out
he/she/it
Past simple
wore out
yesterday
Past participle
worn out
have + pp
-ing form
wearing out
continuous
Hear "wear out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "wear out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.