Atrophy

Pronunciation: /ˈætrəfiː/

Atrophy (noun)

  1. a condition where muscles become smaller and weaker due to lack of use or disease.
  2. a gradual loss of effectiveness or strength in a skill or ability.

Examples

  • Lack of exercise can lead to muscle atrophy.
  • Muscle atrophy occurs when muscles are not used.

Common collocations: muscle atrophy, prevent atrophy, mental atrophy, skill atrophy, atrophy over time

Atrophy (verb)

  1. to become weaker or smaller due to not being used.

Examples

  • Unused muscles can atrophy quickly.
  • Skills may atrophy without regular use.

Synonyms of Atrophy

Formal

Neutral

Antonyms of Atrophy

  • — referring to increase in size or development
  • — referring to progress or advancement