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.
High-quality pieces — built to withstand years of daily wear and tear — from coveted brands, including Le Creuset, Staub, and Zwilling, are up to 50 percent off at Sur La Table for a limited time. Maggie Horton, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025 The real value in a piece of furniture is below the wear and tear; check the frame, see if it's made of solid wood, and check for sags or any other damage that can't be repaired. Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 This mat doesn’t shed nor develop any signs of wear and tear during testing. Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2025 Osteoarthritis can develop from wear and tear, breaking down the padding between bones. Sarah Richards, Verywell Health, 23 Jan. 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

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 10 Feb. 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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