-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
And the stitching helps enhance durability, preventing wear and tear over time.
—Nicol Natale, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
This mechanism limits housing rotation to 105 degrees to reduce wear and tear.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Best Overall: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Available in four width options
Designed to prevent overpronation
Comfortable for all-day wear
APMA accepted
Some Brooks reviewers noticed wear and tear early on
Dr. Albers likes Brooks sneakers for wide feet, and the Adrenaline GTS is our favorite model.
—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 28 Oct. 2024
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.
—Jonathan J. Cooper, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for wear and tear
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.
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 24 Nov. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share