wasted away

USAGE SUMMARY

"wasted away" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to describe the gradual decline of something or someone that has been neglected or has otherwise been diminished in some way. For example: "The once-bustling town gradually wasted away as its inhabitants found better opportunities elsewhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Eventually he wasted away and died.

The New York Times - Books

Some just became very, very thin and wasted away.

The New Yorker

Since January, he has wasted away from diarrhea.

The New York Times

Qays retreated to the wilderness, went mad and wasted away.

The New York Times - Arts

Even the ones who died of natural causes — they wasted away because of Beşiktaş.

The New Yorker

He was big; he hadn't yet wasted away from the alcohol.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

People are wasteful, wasted, wasting away".

The New York Times

Live had "watched him waste away".

The New York Times

"My friends thought I was wasting away".

The New Yorker

Poor man is wasting away!

The Guardian - Film

More typically, they waste away.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wasted away" to describe a gradual decline in health, resources, or quality. It often implies a passive process where something is diminished over time due to neglect or adverse conditions.

Common error

The phrase "wasted away" implies a slow, often unintentional decline. Avoid using it to describe something that was destroyed quickly or deliberately. For instance, it's more appropriate to say someone "wasted away from illness" than "wasted away the enemy camp".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wasted away" functions primarily as an intransitive verb phrase, typically used to describe a gradual decline in health, strength, or resources. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. Examples show its common use in describing physical deterioration and loss.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wasted away" effectively describes a gradual decline, often associated with health or resources. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse sources. It's most frequently found in News & Media, but also appears in scientific and academic contexts, suggesting versatility. When using "wasted away", be mindful of its connotation of passive decline and avoid applying it to sudden or intentional acts. Alternatives such as "deteriorated gradually" or "languished" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. The expert rating, based on grammatical correctness, source authority, and usage consistency, is 4.5 out of 5, highlighting its reliability and appropriateness in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deteriorated gradually

Focuses on the slow decline in quality or condition.

declined slowly

Highlights the gradual reduction in health or strength.

atrophied

Emphasizes the wasting away of body tissue or an organ.

languished

Highlights a state of weakening or failing to thrive.

gradually declined in health

Highlights the slow and steady degradation of well-being.

shriveled up

Suggests a loss of moisture and subsequent shrinking or wrinkling.

lost vitality

Focuses on the reduction of energy and life force.

faded away

Implies a gradual disappearance or loss of prominence.

consumed by illness

Emphasizes the destructive impact of disease.

dissipated

Suggests a gradual dispersion or vanishing.

FAQs

How can I use "wasted away" in a sentence?

You can use "wasted away" to describe a gradual decline in health or condition, such as: "After months of illness, he "wasted away" until he was barely recognizable."

What are some alternatives to "wasted away"?

Alternatives include "deteriorated gradually", "declined slowly", or "languished", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "wasted away" in formal writing?

Yes, "wasted away" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a slow and passive decline. However, consider whether a more precise term like "atrophied" might be more suitable in a scientific context.

What's the difference between "wasted away" and "faded away"?

"Wasted away" typically refers to a physical decline, especially in health, while "faded away" often describes a more general disappearance or loss of prominence, such as memories or colors.