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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Unfortunately, use over time makes wear and tear inevitable, leading to squeaking. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2025 There’s the mental side of the job — meetings, film study, calling pitches — but there’s also the wear and tear of the physical side. David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025 Plus, a growing number of seasonal travelers are shipping their EVs between winter and summer homes to avoid wear and tear or adding additional miles to their vehicles. Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025 The wear and tear of a job that devours men in their 30s. Arkansas Online, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for wear and tear

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wear and tear was in 1666

Cite this Entry

“Wear and tear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wear%20and%20tear. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

wear and tear

noun
: the loss or damage that occurs to something in the course of normal use

More from Merriam-Webster on wear and tear

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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