wear and tear

noun

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

especially : normal depreciation

Synonyms of wear and tear

• wear

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

After a few years on Mars, Curiosity operators noted significant wear and tear on the vehicle’s wheels. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 8 Aug. 2026

The performance material is made with a blend of polyester, viscose, and linen blend to help prevent staining or wear and tear over the years. — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 6 Aug. 2026

Meanwhile, the durable cotton-blend on the Alo pair holds up to weekly use and washing with no signs of wear and tear. — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

It's got 20+ years of wear and tear, but this tote bag has served me well. — Sam Woodward, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for wear and tear

• aftercare
• anywhere
• billionaire
• chinaware
• debonair
• dinnerware
• disrepair
• doctrinaire
• earthenware
• everywhere
• frigidaire
• kitchenware

Kids Definition

wear and tear

noun

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