atrophied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "atrophied" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that has wasted away or declined in function, often referring to muscles or organs due to lack of use or nourishment. Example: "After months of inactivity, his muscles had atrophied, making it difficult for him to regain his strength."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He says Labour has been building momentum, winning a majority in the council last year, while the Lib Dem machine has atrophied.

The Guardian

The Tories are mobilising volunteers through "Team2015", a project run by the party chairman, Grant Shapps, that buses flashmobs of eager students into areas where local parties have atrophied.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rice said the new Iraqi government was rebuilding armed forces which had "atrophied" under the sectarian rule of the former president, Nouri al-Maliki, and that there was no need for US ground troops.

The Guardian

Perhaps more important, he has taken to describing Israel's decades-old attempt to impose itself upon the Palestinians as misguided and "inane", language previously the preserve of the hard-core peaceniks.His political supporters, their numbers now dangerously atrophied, call this courage.

The Economist

Some economists have argued that the crisis itself undermined potential by starving innovative companies of financing and driving some workers, whose skills have atrophied from long spells of unemployment, out of the labour force.

The Economist

The organs of decision-making and policy implementation are atrophied after three years of stagnation under Mr Zafy.

The Economist

After a flurry of interest in the run-up to the election in January, trading has atrophied (see chart 2).Analysts at big banks still hope for a compromise but concede that the odds are lengthening.

The Economist

But it is not clear what the appropriate level should be .After the Bank of Japan became the primary supplier of overnight funds to banks earlier this decade, the interbank market atrophied.

The Economist

Indeed, court rulings midwifed all ten of the other opposition parties, including Mr Serageddin's New Wafd.But as the older parties have atrophied, pressure has built up to allow younger blood into the system.

The Economist

Mr Kerry said he would end the pursuit of new nukes while Mr Bush said that America's nuclear infrastructure has atrophied and that more spending is needed.

The Economist

They will be rid of a Palestinian Legislative Council that has, over the ten years since the previous election, atrophied into an irrelevant, crony-packed and derided body.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "atrophied", ensure the context clearly indicates what has declined or wasted away, and why. For example, specify whether it's a skill, muscle, or system that has "atrophied" due to lack of use or other factors.

Common error

Avoid using "atrophied" to describe something that was never strong or healthy to begin with. "Atrophied" implies a decline from a previous state, not a lack of initial development.

Linguistic Context

The term "atrophied" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that has wasted away, declined, or diminished in effectiveness due to disuse, neglect, or other factors. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "atrophied" functions as an adjective describing something that has declined or wasted away, often due to disuse. Predominantly found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, the phrase maintains a neutral formality. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage. When using "atrophied", specify what has declined and why, avoiding its application to things that never developed properly. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples, indicates that "atrophied" is a reliable and widely used term for conveying decline and weakening.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wasted away

Focuses on the physical deterioration and loss of substance.

declined in function

Emphasizes the loss of capability or effectiveness.

shriveled

Suggests a reduction in size and wrinkling, often due to loss of moisture or vitality.

degenerated

Implies a decline in quality or moral character.

weakened

Highlights the reduction in strength or power.

deteriorated

Indicates a progressive decline in condition.

faded

Implies a gradual loss of color, brightness, or intensity.

withered

Suggests a drying up or shriveling, often associated with plants.

lapsed

Indicates a failure to maintain a previous state or condition.

diminished

Focuses on a reduction in size, extent, or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "atrophied" in a sentence?

You can use "atrophied" to describe muscles, skills, or systems that have weakened or declined due to disuse or neglect. For example, "After the injury, his leg muscles "atrophied" from lack of exercise."

What are some synonyms for "atrophied"?

Some synonyms for "atrophied" include "wasted away", "declined in function", and "shriveled". Choose the synonym that best fits the specific context.

Is it correct to say something "atrophied" due to overuse?

While atrophy is typically associated with disuse, overuse can also lead to a decline in function, though it's more commonly described as fatigue or damage. "Atrophied" is best used to describe decline from lack of use.

What's the difference between "atrophied" and "deteriorated"?

"Atrophied" specifically implies a wasting away or decline in size and function, often due to lack of use. "Deteriorated", on the other hand, is a more general term indicating a decline in quality or condition, regardless of the cause.