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

This is why describing osteoarthritis as simple "wear and tear" is misleading.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2026

The supplements may also ease wear and tear, arthritis joint pain and stiffness, according to the results from 113 trials involving nearly 8,000 people.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

After Paris in 2024, more than 200 of the Chaumet-designed medals were returned to the Monnaie de Paris for replacement because of noticeable wear and tear.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

Your weight and size will also affect the wear and tear on the mattress you choose and, importantly, how it feels.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 26, 2026

Father is walking around in frayed trousers, and his tie is also showing signs of wear and tear.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

Related Words

• depletion
• depreciation
• erosion