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.
And the stitching helps enhance durability, preventing wear and tear over time. Nicol Natale, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024 This mechanism limits housing rotation to 105 degrees to reduce wear and tear. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Best Overall: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Available in four width options Designed to prevent overpronation Comfortable for all-day wear APMA accepted Some Brooks reviewers noticed wear and tear early on Dr. Albers likes Brooks sneakers for wide feet, and the Adrenaline GTS is our favorite model. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 28 Oct. 2024 Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Jonathan J. Cooper, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near wear and tear

Cite this Entry

“Wear and tear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wear%20and%20tear. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!