1 B2 neutral
To make a hole in fabric, leather, or another material by constant rubbing or use.
"He'd worn through the elbows of his favourite jumper."
inseparable
wear through
B2 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To make a hole in something, or to penetrate through a material by constant friction or use.
In plain English
To rub or use something so much that a hole appears in it.
What does "wear through" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To erode a pathway or opening through a solid surface over time.
"Over thousands of years, the river had worn through the limestone to form a cave."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To wear all the way through a material — fully transparent.
Actually means
To rub or use something so much that a hole appears in it.
Usage tip
Most commonly used for clothing (especially elbows, knees, and soles) and surfaces subjected to persistent friction. Less common than 'wear out' but used in similar contexts. Common in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "wear through"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
elbow knee sole fabric carpet trousers rock
How to conjugate "wear through"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
wear through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wears through
he/she/it
Past simple
wore through
yesterday
Past participle
worn through
have + pp
-ing form
wearing through
continuous
Hear "wear through" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "wear through" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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