atrophy

verb
UK: /ˈæ.trə.fi/
US: /ˈæ.trə.fi/

  1. To waste away, especially as a result of the degeneration of cells, or become vestigial during evolution.

    1. If you don't use your muscles, they will atrophy. [ ] [ ]
    2. The doctor explained that the lack of exercise caused the muscle atrophy. [ ] [ ]

  2. To decline in effectiveness, vigor, or strength; to wither.

    1. The organization began to atrophy after the funding cuts. [ ] [ ]
    2. Without new investment, the town's economy will slowly atrophy over time. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

waste away wither decline degenerate decay shrinkage
atrophy noun

  1. The wasting away of a body part or tissue; a decline in effectiveness.

    1. Muscle atrophy can occur after an injury. [ ] [ ]
    2. The atrophy of the city's industrial base led to high unemployment. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "atrophy" in English means: To waste away, especially as a result of the degeneration of cells, or become vestigial during evolution., To decline in effectiveness, vigor, or strength; to wither..

The phonetic transcription of "atrophy" is /ˈæ.trə.fi/ in British English and /ˈæ.trə.fi/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "atrophy": waste away, wither, decline, degenerate, decay, shrinkage.

Example usage of "atrophy": "If you don't use your muscles, they will atrophy.". More examples on the page.