wear and tear

Or wear-and-tear

[tair]

noun

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

wear and tear

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of wear and tear¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

His style does not depend so much on explosive speed, but rather on experience and the progressive wear and tear of his opponent.

From Los Angeles Times

As time has passed, wear and tear on the surfaces has grown considerably, particularly with potholes.

From BBC

It was a newly installed hybrid field of rye and synthetic grass that could endure the wear and tear of 300-pound combatants.

From Los Angeles Times

Again, there were signs of wear and tear as he called for the physio to treat a neck issue and then a problem with his right forearm against German Struff.

From BBC

This results in lower mileage and exposes certain vehicle parts to a greater risk of wear and tear.

From BBC

Related Words

• depletion www.thesaurus.com
• depreciation 
• erosion