wear and tear

noun

: the loss, injury, or stress to which something is subjected by or in the course of use
especially : normal depreciation

Examples of wear and tear in a Sentence

my favorite jeans finally succumbed to wear and tear and had to be replaced
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Reviewers rave about the thick cushions, which provide sink-in comfort while staying resilient against wear and tear. Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 10 Jan. 2025 Like most great aging athletes, there is some wear and tear on his 6-4, 215 pound frame; which has endured parts of 12 years at the major league level. Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 Having more courts, for both practice and for matches, will also reduce wear and tear across the tournament. Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025 Over the decades, the coins — and people sitting on the marble edge of the fountain (another definite no-no) — have contributed to its wear and tear, especially as visitor numbers have risen sharply in recent years. Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for wear and tear 

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wear and tear was in 1666

Dictionary Entries Near wear and tear

Cite this Entry

“Wear and tear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wear%20and%20tear. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

wear and tear

noun
: the loss or damage that occurs to something in the course of normal use

More from Merriam-Webster on wear and tear

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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