wɛr daʊn
neutral
intermediate
- Base verb:
- wear
- Particle:
- down
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "wear down" mean?
- To gradually weaken or exhaust through persistent effort
- To erode or reduce through friction or use
Examples
- The constant arguing wore down her patience.
- Water has worn down these rocks over millions of years.
- He finally wore down his parents until they agreed.
- The negotiations wore down both sides.
- My heels have worn down from all the walking.
How to use it
Implies persistent, gradual action leading to eventual success or deterioration.
Word order
Object can go between: 'wear them down' or 'wear down the opposition'
Similar expressions
exhaust
weaken
erode
tire
Opposites
strengthen
build up
energize
Related phrasal verbs
- wear out
To become damaged or useless from use over time
- wear off
To gradually disappear or diminish in effect
- turn down
To reduce the volume, heat, or intensity of something
- bring down
To cause something to fall or collapse
- go down
To decrease in price, level, or amount
- come down
To decrease in price, level, or amount
Use it in a practice answer
Try "wear down" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.