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

The modular shaping magnets can be adjusted in strength and replaced individually to account for variations during assembly, as well as wear and tear during operation. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026

The wood is also kiln-dried to prevent warping, splitting, cracking, mildew, and other potential wear and tear. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2026

How To Avoid Scissor-Dulling Practices Scissors will dull with time, but there are some practices that will speed up the wear and tear. — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2026

Cotton/polyester blends and microfiber sheets, on the other hand, should be washed in cool or warm water to prevent wear and tear. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 26 Oct. 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