wearing out

Verb

wear out (third-person singular simple present wears out, present participle wearing out, simple past wore out, past participle worn out)

1. To cause (something) to become damaged, useless, or ineffective through continued use, especially hard, heavy, or careless use.
   • You're going to wear out that game if you keep playing so rough with it.
2. (intransitive) To deteriorate or become unusable or ineffective due to continued use, exposure, or strain.
   • The old tractor finally wore out.
3. To exhaust; to cause or contribute to another's exhaustion, fatigue, or weariness, as by continued strain or exertion.
   • You kids are wearing me out!
4. (intransitive) To become exhausted, tired, fatigued, or weary, as by continued strain or exertion.
   • I'm wearing out, guys. Time to go to sleep.
5. Of apparel, to display in public.
   • Those sweatpants are great for loafing around the house, but they're not meant to be worn out.
6. Of a shirt, to not tuck into the pants; to wear in a casual manner.
   • A dress shirt should be tucked in, but a t-shirt can be worn out.

   Synonyms:

   outwear

See all 7 meanings of wear out