describing physical deterioration (e.g., objects) or emotional/physical exhaustion

to indicate that something has reached its limit due to repeated use or prolonged effort

old shoes losing tread, a machine operating beyond design limits, people feeling exhausted after long work

everyday conversation, maintenance discussions, professional settings like repair manuals and technical writing

wear out

wear out

tires, shoes, equipment, patience, energy levels

• completely
• soon
• fully
• eventually
• after years of use

• exhaust
• tire out
• burn out (for emotional/physical exhaustion)
• fade off (pain)

confusing with ‘wear off’ which means to disappear or stop affecting; using it for non‑material things like ideas or concepts

wear off (fade), tire out, burn out

English speakers from regions where idioms are less common may mistakenly apply the phrase only to objects that physically deteriorate rather than people feeling tired

• worn-out (adj.)

Physical wear indicates material breakdown while intransitive use conveys cumulative mental/emotional fatigue

signals a need for replacement, maintenance, or rest; often used to caution about further damage if not addressed

worn-out shoes

The phrasal verb 'wear out' is used in both separable and intransitive forms. In the separable form, it is often followed by a noun phrase, such as 'wear out the tires'. In the intransitive form, it is used to describe something or someone becoming exhausted or worn out, such as 'the car wears out'. It can also take an object as a direct complement, such as '[subject] will/will not wear something out'.

wear oneself out