wear down

verb

wore down; worn down; wearing down; wears down

transitive verb

: to weary and overcome by persistent resistance or pressure

Examples of wear down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Russian military has repeatedly targeted the Ukrainian energy infrastructure in campaigns to wear down the country in wintertime. Cassandra Vinograd, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025 They were worn down by death threats, repeated local sabotage of their cases, and congressional complaints over the high financial cost of their efforts. Brittany Friedman / Made By History, TIME, 6 Jan. 2025 This yoga mat is made from a biodegradable rubber alternative that'll wear down in extreme heat, so leave it at home for your hot yoga classes. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 5 Jan. 2025 Right now, though, switching into a different gear might be necessary to avoid wearing down your transmission. Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wear down 

Word History

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wear down was in 1774

Dictionary Entries Near wear down

Cite this Entry

“Wear down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wear%20down. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wear down

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!