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

• 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

From in-depth investigations and assessments of the sections featuring the most wear and tear, a thorough restoration plan was devised and subsequently executed. —Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025

Their hexagonal shape prevents rolling, while the durable rubber coating protects floors and minimizes wear and tear on the weights. —Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025

Heavy trucks account for 40% of road wear and tear, yet only 10% of total miles driven. —Tirzah Duren, Boston Herald, 8 July 2025

And the six-inch glare-free display evokes a paperback, minus the wear and tear. —Vulture Editors, Vulture, 8 July 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