What are the definitions of “wear down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make something weaker.
The stress of my job is WEARING me DOWN.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wear down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wear down is to make something weaker or cause someone to become tired or less effective over time. This can refer to physical objects, such as materials, or to people's emotions, energy, or mental state.
What are the different verb forms of “wear down”?
| Root Verb | wear down |
| Third Person Singular Present | wears down |
| Present Participle | wearing down |
| Simple Past | wore down |
| Past Participle | worn down |
Example
The constant noise wears down my patience.
Example
The rough surface wears down the tires quickly.
Example
The long hike is wearing down the group's energy.
Example
The constant pressure wore down her confidence.
Example
The old shoes were worn down from years of use.
What kind of phrasal verb is “wear down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“wear down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The constant criticism wore her down.
Example
Years of use wore down the machine.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“wear down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The constant criticism wore her down.
Example
Years of use wore down the machine.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wear down”?
Gradually reduce someone's opposition or reluctance to something.
Example
The salesman's persistence eventually wore down the customer's resistance.
Good things to know
Does “wear down” have an informal or formal tone?
Wear down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in written reports or presentations.
