Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

wear-and-tear

noun

/ˈwɛr ənd tɛr/

Definition

The damage or deterioration that occurs over time from use or normal aging.

Examples

The sofa showed signs of wear-and-tear after years of use.
It’s common for a car to experience wear-and-tear, especially if driven frequently.
She decided to replace her old sneakers due to excessive wear-and-tear.

Meaning

Wear-and-tear refers to the gradual decline in condition that happens to objects, materials, or even individuals due to consistent use or exposure to the elements.