WordVale

wear off

to fade gradually

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (phrasal verb) to gradually disappear or become less strong; the effect of something gradually stops

2. (phrasal verb) to reduce or diminish something by use or friction over time

Examples

• The medication will wear off after a few hours.
• The paint is starting to wear off the old door.

How to use wear off

Wear off describes a process where something gradually becomes weaker or disappears entirely, often implying a natural, progressive loss over time. It is commonly used for effects (medication, anesthetic), emotions (excitement, enthusiasm), or physical wear from use. It differs from synonyms like 'fade' in emphasizing duration and gradual transition rather than simply becoming less visible.

Common phrases

• wear off gradually
• wear off over time
• effects wear off
• the novelty wears off
• pain wears off

Synonyms

fade · diminish · subside · decrease · wane

Opposites

intensify · build up

Word family

wear · wearing · wore · worn

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'wear off' with 'wear out' (which means to become exhausted or completely worn through). Wear off is about temporary effects diminishing; wear out is about permanent damage or exhaustion.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

turn out, turn up, watch out, weigh up, work out, wind up

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained