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

The best carry-ons are durable enough to protect delicate items inside and withstand wear and tear, compact yet spacious enough to meet airline guidelines while providing room for all your essentials, and lightweight enough to lift into overhead bins. —Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026

Better data can help cities maintain roads more efficiently, which can reduce wear and tear on your car and lower the risk of unexpected repairs. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026

However, dishwasher detergents can degrade the quality of the nonstick coating, leading to quicker wear and tear. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026

These are also machine washable, meaning despite coffee spills and the general wear and tear of a fitful sleeper, these can be properly cleaned in the wash. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 26 Apr. 2026

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