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
This option has a clean, versatile design that complements many styles, and the durable polypropylene construction resists fading, stains, and daily wear and tear.
—
Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
Regardless of wear and tear, there are a handful of my most reliable travel clothes, shoes, and bags that always make the team.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2026
These items will likely be used less often, resulting in less wear and tear and lower replacement costs.
—Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2026
As a result, muscles degrade over time from the wear and tear of contracting.
—Jerome Groopman, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wear and tear
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Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
Regardless of wear and tear, there are a handful of my most reliable travel clothes, shoes, and bags that always make the team.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2026
These items will likely be used less often, resulting in less wear and tear and lower replacement costs.
—Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2026
As a result, muscles degrade over time from the wear and tear of contracting.
—Jerome Groopman, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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 12 Apr. 2026.
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