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.
The water surface holds dust particles and the wings/ shells of bugs that inhabit the building, a sign of the wear and tear in the very space that hosts the work. Mario Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025 What existed in the White House was a relative lack of ostentation — formal, but showing occasional signs of wear and tear, proof that this was a People’s House, not a palace. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025 As seen on previous interbrand skate partnerships such as the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 and this year’s Nike SB x Air Max 95, the Nike SB x Air Force 1 includes Nike SB branding on the heel and a host of changes which make the model more equipped for the wear and tear of skateboarding. Riley Jones, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025 The Truman renovation, Truman Balcony 1948-1952 When President Harry Truman assumed office in 1945, the White House was in bad shape from decades of wear and tear. Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 22 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 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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