desgaste

wear

noun des-GAHS-teh Rare

Also means

erosion

Usage Note

Desgaste describes gradual wearing away — of materials, relationships, or political support. The verb is desgastar (to wear down). A common collocation is desgaste político (political attrition) or desgaste físico (physical fatigue).

Examples

"El desgaste del material fue evidente."

Natural Translation

The wear on the material was evident.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

How to Respond to ¿Cómo Estás? (Not Just Bien)

Respond to ¿cómo estás? like a native: add gracias, bounce back ¿y tú?, and pick a reply by mood — bien, no me quejo, más o menos, or ahí voy.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Ser vs. Estar: When to Use Each in Spanish

Ser vs estar made simple: how you feel and where you are use estar, everything else uses ser. Master the rule, the exceptions, and the traps that flip meaning.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Reflexive Verbs: Me, Te, Se Made Clear

Spanish reflexive verbs use me, te, se for actions you do to yourself. Master the daily-routine pattern, pronoun placement, and shifts like dormir vs dormirse.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Te Quiero vs Te Amo: Saying "I Love You" in Spanish

Te quiero vs te amo, explained: te quiero is the warm, safe everyday I love you; te amo is deeper and more romantic. A relationship-by-relationship map.

June 3, 2026 6 min read