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

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

BBC Verify has spoken to military experts who say, although the length of its deployment is unusual, the wear and tear isn't.

From BBC ● Sep. 5, 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

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

Cymbeline was smiling too, though the wear and tear of the night could be seen all over her tired face.

From "Dactyl Hill Squad" by Daniel José Older

Related Words

• depletion
• depreciation
• erosion