Pronunciation: /wɛr θɪn/

Definitions of wear thin

verb to become less effective or convincing over time

Example Sentences

A1 My patience wears thin when I have to wait in long lines.

A2 Her enthusiasm for the project began to wear thin after months of delays.

B1 The constant excuses from my coworker are starting to wear thin on me.

B2 The repetitive jokes from the comedian began to wear thin on the audience.

C1 The government's promises to improve the economy are wearing thin on the citizens.

C2 The company's repeated failures to deliver on their commitments are wearing thin on their investors.

adjective becoming less substantial or durable

Example Sentences

A1 My patience is wearing thin.

A2 Her excuses are starting to wear thin.

B1 The fabric of my old jacket is starting to wear thin.

B2 His constant complaints are wearing thin on my nerves.

C1 The company's promises are wearing thin as the deadline approaches.

C2 The politician's empty promises are wearing thin with the public.

Examples of wear thin in a Sentence

formal The fabric of my favorite shirt is starting to wear thin after years of use.

informal I've been wearing these shoes for so long that they're starting to wear thin.

slang I can't keep up with her lies, they're starting to wear thin.

figurative His patience is wearing thin with all the delays.

Grammatical Forms of wear thin

past tense

wore thin

plural

wear thin

comparative

wears thinner

superlative

wears thinnest

present tense

wear thin

future tense

will wear thin

perfect tense

have worn thin

continuous tense

wearing thin

singular

wears thin

positive degree

wear thin

infinitive

to wear thin

gerund

wearing thin

participle

worn thin

Origin and Evolution of wear thin

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The phrase 'wear thin' originated from the Old English word 'thynne' meaning 'thin' or 'sparse'. It was used in the context of something becoming thin or worn out over time.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the phrase 'wear thin' has evolved to mean something becoming less effective, convincing, or tolerable due to overuse or repetition. The original literal meaning of something physically thinning or wearing out has transitioned to a more figurative sense in modern usage.