wear and tear

American  

[tair] / tɛər /

Or wear-and-tear

noun

1. damage or deterioration resulting from ordinary use; normal depreciation.

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wear and tear British  

noun

1. damage, depreciation, or loss resulting from ordinary use

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wear and tear Idioms  

1. Damage and deterioration resulting from ordinary use and exposure, as in This sofa shows a lot of wear and tear; we should replace it. [Second half of 1600s]

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Etymology

Origin of wear and tear

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

wear and tear

According to the specialist, families continue to find ways to cope with shortages, but the wear and tear is becoming increasingly evident.

From Barron's ● Aug. 4, 2026

Certain types of marble might not be able to withstand the standard wear and tear of family life.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 1, 2026

But the wear and tear of old age wouldn’t let us enjoy bliss for too long.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026

Today, painful wear and tear on your joints typically is treated with pain medication and ultimately, a knee or hip replacement.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 14, 2026

The kitchen had a huge old-fashioned stove, a red chrome-trimmed breakfast table and chairs, bright yellow walls, and a linoleum floor with visible marks of wear and tear.

From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals

Related Words

• depletion
• depreciation
• erosion