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
Even without a major spill, everyday wear and tear including sweat, pets, and sticky fingers leaves its mark (or many marks) on the cotton, microfiber, leather, or other common couch upholstery facing daily use.
—
Bridget Reed Morawski, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026
Hang-drying saves energy and reduces wear and tear on clothes, the utility says.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
That slow metabolism minimizes cellular wear and tear, letting their bodies function across centuries.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
That slow metabolism minimizes cellular wear and tear, allowing their bodies to function across centuries.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wear and tear
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Bridget Reed Morawski, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026
Hang-drying saves energy and reduces wear and tear on clothes, the utility says.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
That slow metabolism minimizes cellular wear and tear, letting their bodies function across centuries.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
That slow metabolism minimizes cellular wear and tear, allowing their bodies to function across centuries.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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 4 Apr. 2026.
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