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

"There is wear and tear on our roads, which have little or no maintenance at all," he added.

From BBC

"Possibly it's a wear and tear from the rest of the day."

From BBC

Powers takes down the sculptures once a year, giving them a fresh coat of paint and attaching new features depending on their wear and tear.

From Los Angeles Times

This large Balenciaga tote shows the best TLC is a little wear and tear.

From Los Angeles Times

The Frick Collection explained that their rug was worn out in certain spots, and that’s how they could tell which were the most popular pieces of artwork, from the wear and tear.

From New York Times

Related Words

• depletion
• depreciation
• erosion