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.
Several inspections have been conducted and found the building safe, the cracks part of normal wear and tear. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2025 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. Matthew Brown, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025 That’s why the future Hall of Famer is making a permanent switch from center field to right, a move intended to reduce the wear and tear that comes with playing his old position. Justin Birnbaum, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 Overuse, injury, and general wear and tear can damage your knee's cartilage, bone, and related joint structures. Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 21 Mar. 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

Cite this Entry

“Wear and tear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wear%20and%20tear. Accessed 13 Apr. 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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