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.
Here are ten essentials that look effortlessly stylish and that can sustain some wear and tear from the elements. Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2025 Perhaps the best of all, after going through the wash for three months, this bra fits the same and hasn't started to show any wear and tear. Sabrina Rojas Weiss, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025 With a distressed oriental motif in soft grays, ivories, and black, its pattern reads like a vintage find without the wear and tear. Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025 This prevents a separate trip; saving time, wear and tear on our vehicle, gasoline — while making these chores a bit more fun. Chi Varnado, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 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

Cite this Entry

“Wear and tear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wear%20and%20tear. Accessed 14 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!