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

The researchers believe that coffee's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds help shield cells from wear and tear. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Dec. 2025

Miami defender Maxi Falcon added that the team managed to reach the finish line despite the wear and tear of playing 57 games, more than any other team in the league. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 5 Dec. 2025

Warranties do not cover routine maintenance, wear and tear or damage from accidents. —Alora Bopray, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025

Attorneys for the team have also pushed back against claims by other former Angels players that the pressure and wear and tear of professional baseball led them to turn to illicit opioids. —Sean Emery, Oc Register, 4 Dec. 2025

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