wearing
12 synonyms and 0 antonyms for wearing, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Causing tiredness or straining one's patience.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
Variant of Waring.
Full origin of wearing →Frequently asked questions
What does “wearing” mean?
The word “wearing” means causing tiredness or straining one's patience. In plain terms, tiring or draining, or the physical act of erosion from use.
How do you pronounce “wearing”?
“Wearing” is pronounced WEH-uh-rihng (/ˈwɛɹɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “wearing” in a sentence?
Here is “wearing” used in a sentence: “The long negotiations were wearing on everyone.”
What part of speech is “wearing”?
Depending on how it is used, “wearing” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “wearing” a common word?
“Wearing” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “wearing” have?
“Wearing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: causing tiredness or straining one's patience.
What does it mean to call something wearing?
When used as an adjective, wearing describes something that gradually tires you out or tests your patience. A wearing day, journey, or conversation slowly drains your energy or goodwill. It suggests steady strain rather than a single shock, like being worn down bit by bit over time.
What is the difference between wearing and tiring?
Both describe things that cause fatigue, but wearing carries a stronger sense of ongoing strain, often on patience as well as energy. Tiring simply means it makes you physically or mentally weary. A tiring walk leaves you sleepy; a wearing situation slowly grinds you down and frays your nerves.
What is an example of wearing in a sentence?
You might say 'the constant noise was wearing' or 'caring for a sick relative can be wearing over time'. In each case, wearing shows that the situation steadily drained energy or patience. The word often pairs with long or repeated experiences rather than brief, one-off events.
Is wearing the same as the verb 'wearing' clothes?
No. These are different uses of the word. As an adjective, wearing means tiring or straining, as in 'a wearing week'. The verb 'wearing' means having clothes on, as in 'wearing a coat'. They share the same spelling but express very different ideas, so context makes the meaning clear.