The phrase "and a withering of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decline or deterioration of something, often in a metaphorical sense.
Example: "The prolonged drought led to a withering of the once lush landscape."
Alternatives: "a decline in" or "a deterioration of".
Pure communism would, in theory, entail common ownership of the means of production and a withering of the state.
The biggest problem is that even though petroleum provides few jobs, fluctuates wildly in price and will some day run out, the sudden profits can lead to a reliance on oil and a withering of the rest of the economy.
In the midst of extreme economic crisis and a withering of the American Dream, the symptoms of our national disease are everywhere.
But progress has been slowed by domestic resistance to selling national assets to foreigners and by a withering of investor enthusiasm in the face of Indonesia's political instability.
What you hear and see is not rage, but injury, a withering of expectations".
In her book "A Problem from Hell," she presented a history of genocide in the 20th century and a withering critique of the failure of the United States and other countries to respond to them.
He's caught between the arrogance of 17 and a withering state of mind.
Jolly Green 66 flown by Lt. Colonel Bill Harris followed, only to break through the low ceiling to face ten North Vietnamese tanks and a withering onslaught of ground fire.
"I could see he had the horse in a nice rhythm," Baffert said Borel and Super Saver, on the other hand, were working hard and not looking all that comfortable chasing the long shot, First Dude, through a fast half-mile of 46.47 seconds, and a withering six furlongs of 1 minute 11.22 seconds.
This account of Ronald Reagan's hugely expensive Strategic Defense Initiative, chosen by the editors of the Book Review as one of the best books of 2000, is both a journey into the politics and technology of nuclear diplomacy and a withering inner history of the Reagan administration.
