wear down

British  

verb

1. to consume or be consumed by long or constant wearing, rubbing, etc

2. to overcome or be overcome gradually by persistent effort

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wear down Idioms  

1. Diminish, weaken, or tire by relentless pressure, as in The heels of these shoes are quite worn down, or Her constant nagging about getting a new car wore down his resistance. [First half of 1800s]

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Example Sentences

But today, as A.I. widgets ooze through every crack of our digital lives, our reflexive outrage at the overreach is starting to wear down.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2026

Such changes would violate warranties and could wear down components and risk breakdowns as tractors and harvesters age, the company has said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

As these sponges wear down, they can release tiny plastic particles into the environment.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

Darnold, Jefferson, receiver Jordan Addison and running backs Aaron Jones Sr. and Cam Akers must wear down the Rams defense.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2025

Inside the building, the linoleum-floored hall, unlike the halls of the Mountain View Inn, was a broad smooth highway with no rough carpets to wear down the already thin tires of a little motorcycle.

From "Ralph S. Mouse" by Beverly Cleary