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.
The energy-efficient regeneration process helps reduce wear and tear on the brake pads. Mark Maynard, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025 Many insurance claims result in good-faith disputes about how much the insurance company should pay — for example, whether roof damage was caused by hail, which is usually covered by insurance, or just wear and tear, which isn’t. Jay Feinman, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025 With Philadelphia having already clinched a playoff berth, the question is whether coach Nick Sirianni will want to expose Barkley to more wear and tear in pursuit of the record next week or will rest him ahead of the postseason. Andrew Greif, NBC News, 29 Dec. 2024 After six months of traveling with it, it's held up beautifully and has shown virtually no signs of wear and tear. Jasmine Grant, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 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 1 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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