waste away

USAGE SUMMARY

"waste away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the physical effects of time passing, such as fading away, fading away, or becoming thinner. For example, "The years have caused his muscles to waste away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Live had "watched him waste away".

The New York Times

More typically, they waste away.

The Washington Post

We can't wish the waste away.

The Guardian - Opinion

We cannot wish this waste away.

The Guardian

Little by little they waste away and finally lose consciousness.

Harvard University

Instead he has watched his crops waste away.

The Guardian

She refuses to eat and begins to waste away.

The New York Times - Books

Desperate and hardly eating, Marinela began to waste away.

The Guardian

She's not going to waste away in a closet.

The New York Times - Style

Won't I waste away relying on liquids for sustenance?

The Guardian - Opinion

He'll waste away to nothing if I don't help.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waste away" to describe a gradual decline in health, strength, or importance. It effectively conveys a sense of something diminishing over time, such as watching someone "waste away" due to illness.

Common error

Avoid using "waste away" to describe sudden or abrupt disappearances or declines. The phrase specifically implies a gradual and observable deterioration, so choose words like "vanish" or "collapse" for more immediate events.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "waste away" is a phrasal verb, indicating a process of gradual decline or deterioration. Ludwig AI's analysis and the examples show its frequent use in describing health conditions or the decline of systems and structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waste away" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrasal verb that describes a gradual decline in health, strength, or vitality. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. When using "waste away", ensure it aligns with a slow, observable process rather than a sudden event. Consider alternatives such as "deteriorate" or "decline" for nuanced meaning. Be mindful of the contexts that best suit its neutral to formal tone. The phrase effectively conveys the poignant image of something gradually diminishing over time, adding depth and impact to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deteriorate

Focuses on the process of becoming progressively worse.

decline

Emphasizes a gradual decrease in quality or strength.

wither

Suggests a loss of vitality and freshness, often in a physical sense.

atrophy

Specifically refers to the wasting away of body tissue or an organ.

languish

Implies a weakening or suffering due to unfavorable conditions.

fade away

Describes a gradual disappearance or weakening.

ebb

Suggests a gradual decline or reduction, often in energy or strength.

degenerate

Indicates a decline into a lower or worse state.

dissipate

Implies a gradual disappearance or vanishing.

crumble

Suggests a breaking down or disintegration, often physically.

FAQs

How is "waste away" used in a sentence?

"Waste away" describes a gradual decline, typically in health or strength. For example, "The patient began to "waste away" after the illness took hold".

What are some synonyms for "waste away"?

Alternatives to "waste away" include "deteriorate", "decline", or "languish", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "waste away" in a formal setting?

Yes, "waste away" is suitable for formal contexts, especially when discussing health, societal decay, or the gradual decline of something important. The examples from News & Media and Academic sources demonstrate its acceptability.

What is the difference between "waste away" and "disappear"?

"Waste away" implies a slow and observable decline, whereas "disappear" suggests a sudden vanishing. One describes a process of deterioration, the other, an abrupt absence.