wear out

To make someone very tired by demanding a lot of effort or attention.

• That walk wore me out.
• The children are wearing their parents out.
• Does working nights wear you out?

How to use it: wear someone out (Looking after three children wears me out.)

Similar words: exhaust, tire out

Opposites: refresh

Common phrases: wear someone out, wear out someone

To damage something by using it so much that it can no longer be used.

• You will wear out those shoes.
• He wore the carpet out near the door.
• All that driving has worn out the tyres.

How to use it: wear something out (Running on rough ground wore my shoes out.)

Similar words: wear down

Common phrases: wear out shoes, wear something out

To become damaged or unable to work because of repeated use.

• Shoes wear out eventually.
• The engine wore out after years of use.
• These parts are wearing out faster than expected.

Similar words: deteriorate

Common phrases: shoes wear out, parts wear out

To become very tired after continued effort.

• I am wearing out now.
• We wore out after hours of walking.
• You will wear out if you never rest.

Similar words: tire, become exhausted

Common phrases: gradually wear out, wear out quickly

To have particular clothes on when you leave home or appear in public.

• I would never wear these pajamas out.
• She wore her new dress out last night.
• Can I wear this old sweater out?

How to use it: wear something out (Would you wear those slippers out?)

Similar words: wear in public

Common phrases: wear something out, wear out pajamas

To wear a shirt with its bottom outside your trousers rather than inside them.

• He wears his shirt out.
• I wore my T-shirt out over my shorts.
• Should I wear this shirt out or tuck it in?

How to use it: wear a shirt out (He wears his shirt out over his jeans.)

Similar words: leave untucked

Opposites: tuck in

Common phrases: wear something out, wear shirt out