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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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1666, in the meaning defined above
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
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