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

Therefore, wearing a watch on your left wrist is a smart styling choice, leaving your investment piece less prone to scratches, bumps, and other wear and tear. — Larissa Ratschkowski, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2026

If any of these break down due to normal wear and tear, the home warranty will cover the cost to repair them. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

The heavy loads above five tons cause wear and tear to the road surface. — Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026

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