Think of 'wear down' as a slow process, not something that happens suddenly or quickly.

Continuous Effect

'Wear down' often applies to the physical degradation of objects over time.

Physical Objects

Use 'wear down' when you want to express a gradual reduction or change, rather than an abrupt one.

Use 'wear down' to describe the mental or emotional toll of persistent difficulties or annoyance.

Emphasize how continuous stress, not just a one-time event, can wear someone down.

'Wear down' can mean a drain on one's energy or enthusiasm over a long period.