wear out the equipment
/wer aʊt ði ɪˈkwɪpmənt/
Meaning
This phrase means to damage, degrade, or make machinery, tools, or technology unusable through continuous, heavy, or prolonged use. It is used in manufacturing, IT, operations, and general office maintenance contexts. The tone is neutral, practical, and analytical.
Examples
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If we run these machines 24/7, we will wear out the equipment much faster.
If we run these machines 24/7, we will wear out the equipment much faster.
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Regular maintenance is crucial so we don't wear out the equipment prematurely.
Regular maintenance is crucial so we don't wear out the equipment prematurely.
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Using the wrong settings on the industrial printer can wear out the equipment.
Using the wrong settings on the industrial printer can wear out the equipment.
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The factory had to replace several parts because heavy daily use had worn out the equipment.
The factory had to replace several parts because heavy daily use had worn out the equipment.
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We need to invest in high-quality tools so we don't wear out the equipment during the busy season.
We need to invest in high-quality tools so we don't wear out the equipment during the busy season.
Common Mistakes
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✗ We will wear down the equipment if we aren't careful.
✓ We will wear out the equipment if we aren't careful.
'Wear down' usually applies to people (exhausting them) or eroding physical surfaces, whereas 'wear out' means rendering a tool or machine unusable through usage.
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✗ The manufacturing machines are completely worn off.
✓ The manufacturing machines are completely worn out.
'Worn off' refers to a surface coating disappearing (like paint), while 'worn out' means damaged or exhausted by use.
Related Expressions
Practice
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If employees aren't trained properly, they might ___.
💡 Damage the machinery through improper use.
Show answer
wear out the equipment
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We had to buy new laptops because three years of constant travel had ___.
💡 Damaged or exhausted the gear (use the past participle).
Show answer
worn out the equipment