wear and tear

American  

[tair] / tɛər /

Or wear-and-tear

noun

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

---

wear and tear British  

noun

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

---

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]

---

Etymology

Origin of wear and tear

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

wear and tear

Some wrote anxiously about the “strain . . . being felt throughout the services, in terms of wear and tear on the troops, their families, and their equipment.”

From Salon ● Sep. 20, 2026

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

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026

Lower limb injuries including sprains, bone damage and wear and tear of the tendons are common, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

His dad was so tired from the wear and tear of the week and trying to catch up around the place that when he wasn’t actually working, he was sleeping in front of the TV.

From "Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Paterson

Related Words

• depletion
• depreciation
• erosion