Clothes deteriorate (4)
I believe the answer is:
wear
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'clothes' is the first definition.
(synonyms)
'deteriorate' is the second definition.
(wear can mean to deteriorate over time)
(Other definitions for wear that I've seen before include "Durability" , "Northern flower" , "Tackle" , "Accept" , "Tire; dress in" .)