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.
According to the lawsuit, On’s warranty does not cover defects due to shoes being the wrong size or normal wear and tear, and customers who have submitted warranty claims have often been denied. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025 Recovery gets tougher with age, and after decades of wear and tear from an elite level of golf, this comeback won’t be as smooth. Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025 Ingram said the trucks have gone through wear and tear, which may limit their ability to distribute water as water networks and wells are rehabilitated. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2025 Years of wear and tear had scuffed the walls. Literary Hub, 15 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 21 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
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