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

For a team that began the season with off days coming at a premium, a brief stretch with two open dates is a respite from the wear and tear of a long season. — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 25 June 2026

If air is escaping, your system has to work that much harder to keep your home comfortable, meaning higher energy bills and more wear and tear on your equipment. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 25 June 2026

Bathrooms tend to see more wear and tear than almost any other room in the house, which is why Lynne Rhea, owner of Mombo Interiors, recommends investing in a quality bath mat. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 22 June 2026

This looser-fitting top sits right at the waistband and is made of a durable nylon and elastane blend that resists wear and tear (justifying the price point). — Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 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