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.
Whether using a regular mop and bucket, spray mop, or a spin mop, too much mopping can wear down the seal on your floors or oversaturate them with water. Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025 Ukraine has struggled on the battlefield as nearly three years of fighting has worn down weapons stocks and depleted its ranks. Isabelle Khurshudyan and Ellen Francis The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 9 Feb. 2025 Israel’s release of Palestinian prisoners into the West Bank and Gaza Saturday – part of the ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas – provided a day of good news for a people worn down by war. Ghada Abdulfattah, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Feb. 2025 Even Spurs’ fit players are exhausted, worn down by having to carry this club on their backs every Thursday and Sunday for the past few months. Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025 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 23 Feb. 2025.

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