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 test simulated 10 years of real-world operation of a heating system and was completed without failures or the wear and tear of safety-critical components.
—
Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
Also, separating your laundry by type reduces wear and tear on delicate fabrics like sheets.
—Anyssa Roberts, The Spruce, 5 Feb. 2026
As for upgrades, the original Kennedy Center building is a sprawling and complex facility with more than 50 years of wear and tear.
—E. Andrew Taylor, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026
Like conditioner for your hair, fabric softener helps to protect against wear and tear from exposure to the agitation, spinning, and heat of the laundry process.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wear and tear
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Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
Also, separating your laundry by type reduces wear and tear on delicate fabrics like sheets.
—Anyssa Roberts, The Spruce, 5 Feb. 2026
As for upgrades, the original Kennedy Center building is a sprawling and complex facility with more than 50 years of wear and tear.
—E. Andrew Taylor, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026
Like conditioner for your hair, fabric softener helps to protect against wear and tear from exposure to the agitation, spinning, and heat of the laundry process.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 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 7 Feb. 2026.
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