Sport

WEAR

Think of a word that means to gradually diminish something through use, like clothes or shoes over time.

The word "sport" here isn’t about athletics—it’s a verb meaning to show off or display something proudly, like "sporting a new outfit." The answer "WEAR" fits because when you sport clothing, you’re wearing it. The clue plays on the double meaning of "sport" as both a noun (the game) and a verb (to wear stylishly).