wear and tear

noun

: the loss, injury, or stress to which something is subjected by or in the course of use

especially : normal depreciation

Synonyms of wear and tear

• wear

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

Or maybe all of the wear and tear that Jackson has experienced since entering the league in 2018 is finally starting to take its toll. —Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025

Plastic Furniture Covers While in theory this decorating move was a smart solution for guarding precious fabrics from wear and tear, who wants to sit on Grandma’s squeaky plastic sofa? —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 7 Dec. 2025

The researchers believe that coffee's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds help shield cells from wear and tear. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Dec. 2025

Miami defender Maxi Falcon added that the team managed to reach the finish line despite the wear and tear of playing 57 games, more than any other team in the league. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 5 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for wear and tear

• aftercare
• anywhere
• billionaire
• chinaware
• debonair
• dinnerware
• disrepair
• doctrinaire
• earthenware
• everywhere
• frigidaire
• kitchenware

Kids Definition

wear and tear

noun

: the loss or damage that occurs to something in the course of normal use