Wear Out – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever had a pair of shoes that got holes after months of walking? Or felt so tired after a long day that you couldn’t stay awake another minute? In English, both situations use the phrase wear out. This practical phrasal verb describes either (1) something becoming damaged from repeated use, or (2) someone becoming completely exhausted.
What Does “Wear Out” Mean?
“Wear out” has two main meanings:
1. To damage or ruin something through repeated use: “I wore out my sneakers running every day.”
2. To make someone extremely tired (physically or mentally): “The constant meetings wore me out.”
Think of it like a favorite T-shirt thinning at the elbows… or your energy fading after a week of nonstop work. The phrase always implies gradual decline—from overuse or overexertion.
When to Use It
Use “wear out” in casual or descriptive conversations:
• For clothes, shoes, or objects: “These jeans are worn out—I need new ones.”
• When talking about fatigue: “Chasing toddlers all day really wears me out.”
• In stories or complaints: “This job is wearing me out.”
It’s common in speaking, texts, and everyday writing—great for real-life fluency. Avoid it in formal reports unless describing material fatigue or burnout.
Example Sentences
- He wore out three keyboards last year—he types so hard!
- Don’t wear yourself out before the big game.
- My old backpack finally wore out and split at the seams.
- All that worrying is going to wear you out.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “You look exhausted.”
Jamie: “I am. This week wore me out.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t confuse “wear out” with “wear off.” “Wear off” means something fades (like pain or makeup). “Wear out” means something is ruined from use or someone is drained of energy. Also, when talking about people, “wear out” is often used passively: “I’m worn out,” not “I’m wearing out” (which suggests it’s still happening).
❌ Don’t say: “My shoes wore off.” (Use “wore out.”)
✅ Do say: “I’m completely worn out.”
✅ Do say: “Kids wear out toys faster than adults wear out phones.”
Practice Tip
Next time your clothes show signs of heavy use, say: “This is worn out.” When you’re truly tired, say: “I’m worn out.” Using the phrase in real moments—whether about objects or energy—makes it feel natural and accurate.
Final Note
Now you can use “wear out” to describe both physical wear and emotional fatigue—with clarity and authenticity. It’s a phrase full of real-life experience, used daily by native speakers. Keep listening for it in conversations, reviews, and honest reflections. You’re not just learning English—you’re learning how people talk about limits and longevity. Keep going—you’ve got this!
