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.
The durable rugged shell is built to withstand wear and tear from travel, while the smooth-rolling wheels and telescoping handle make each suitcase easy to maneuver. Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2025 Most towels that are ready to be tossed are perfectly fine with the exception of some color fading or minimal wear and tear. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025 The stoic Aztlan is empty most days, decades of wear and tear chipping away at it from the outside in. Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025 On top of that, separate weekly and monthly inspections are done to check for various things, including wear and tear. Eve Chen, USA Today, 19 Sep. 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 30 Sep. 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
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