In aiding engineers and material scientists to develop more wear resistant ceramics, the wear properties, wear characteristics, and modes of failure must be better understood. The purpose of this paper is to examine fundamentals of the wear of ceramics, to present methodology needed to describe wear mechanisms in ceramics, and to point out where experimental research is needed to guide theoretical work. The stresses at asperities and pores, and the stresses due to thermal gradients are briefly explored to show the complexity of developing wear models. Definitions of wear modes are proposed to clarify usage of terminology. Finally, research recommendations are given to aid present and future researchers who are presently investigating and planning on entering this field.Presented at the 42nd Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California May 11–14, 1987