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

• 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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said fluoride makes teeth stronger and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear. —Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025

This model works well for wrestling, MMA and judo practice and absorbs throws and strikes without showing any wear and tear. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 May 2025

Allostatic load is the wear and tear on the body that builds up over time due to dealing with stress. —Darlingtina Esiaka, The Conversation, 8 May 2025

For a deep clean, start by wiping down surfaces with a dry cloth to remove loose debris and to assess winter's wear and tear, Barnard says. —Kara McGinley, USA Today, 17 Apr. 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