verb to become less effective or convincing over time
adjective becoming less substantial or durable
The fabric of the shirt began to wear thin after many washes.
Their patience with each other was starting to wear thin as the argument continued.
The rubber on the tires was wearing thin, indicating the need for replacement.
Her patience was wearing thin as she waited for the delayed flight.
In a professional writing context, 'wear thin' can be used to describe a plot or character that is becoming less believable or engaging as the story progresses. It can also refer to overused phrases or cliches that are losing their impact on the reader.
Psychologists may use 'wear thin' to describe a patient's tolerance or patience with a particular treatment or therapeutic approach. It can also be used to discuss the erosion of a client's trust or rapport with their therapist over time.
In marketing, 'wear thin' can refer to the diminishing effectiveness of a particular advertising campaign or messaging strategy. It can also describe a brand or product that is losing its appeal or relevance in the market.
Teachers may use 'wear thin' to describe a student's patience or attention span in the classroom. It can also be used to discuss the diminishing impact of a teaching method or approach over time.