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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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1666, in the meaning defined above
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
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