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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
Spondylolisthesis is usually seen in people over 50, a symptom of natural wear and tear from aging.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Toiletry bags, depending on the quality and how often they are used, may need frequent replacing from wear and tear.
—Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 6 Dec. 2024
These include plenty of polyphenols, which are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant chemicals that calm oxidative stress—internal wear and tear—in the body.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
The most common 10-shekel coin is particularly susceptible to rust and wear and tear, and vendors have become suspicious as rumors abound that many of those available in Gaza are forgeries.
—Bilal Shbair and Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
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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 22 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
wear and tear
noun
: the loss or damage that occurs to something in the course of normal use
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