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

People who lose weight might experience less wear and tear on their knees, for example. — Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

With the laptops needing to be transported from class to class in a backpack, the need for a laptop to withstand normal wear and tear without damage is vital to its long-term value. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Decades of wear and tear and saltwater seepage required significant upgrades to modernize the lines. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

The Apple Watch Series 11 has a scratch-resistant coating on the display, offering extra protection against wear and tear. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 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