atrophies
Gradually loses mass
Atrophies is the verb form of atrophy, meaning to waste away or deteriorate from disuse or lack of nourishment.
Muscles atrophy without exercise; skills atrophy without practice.
The noun atrophy names this wasting: muscle atrophy, brain atrophy.
Figuratively, anything neglected can atrophy: Their friendship atrophied after years without contact.
Using poorly, inefficiently
- weaknessDeficiency in force
- disuseCessation of practice
- paralysisLoss of muscle function
- dystrophyDegenerative tissue disorder
deterioration · shrinkage · immobility · bedridden · degeneration · withering · emaciation · flaccidity
Shrinks from dryness
- declinesRefuses or diminishes
- fadesGrows gradually weaker
- deterioratesBecomes progressively worse
- diminishesBecomes smaller or weaker
weakens · erodes · stagnates · languishes · dwindles · wanes · neglect · disuse
Progressive loss of function
- shrinkageDecrease in size
- dysfunctionAbnormal or unhealthy operation
- failureLack of success
- deteriorationProcess of declining quality
cirrhosis · fibrosis · necrosis · regression · involution · scarring · calcification · aging
Decrease or refuse
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- erosionGradual wearing away
- deteriorationProcess of declining quality
- weakeningBecoming less strong
crumbling · dying · fading · collapse · stagnation · obsolescence · neglect · abandonment
wasting
Using poorly, inefficiently
dystrophy · deterioration · shrinkage · immobility · bedridden · degeneration · withering · emaciation · flaccidity · contracture
withers
Shrinks from dryness
- declinesRefuses or diminishes
- fadesGrows gradually weaker
- deterioratesBecomes progressively worse
diminishes · weakens · erodes · stagnates · languishes · dwindles · wanes · neglect · disuse · decay
degeneration
Progressive loss of function
- shrinkageDecrease in size
- dysfunctionAbnormal or unhealthy operation
- failureLack of success
deterioration · cirrhosis · fibrosis · necrosis · regression · involution · scarring · calcification · aging · disease progression
decline
Decrease or refuse
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- erosionGradual wearing away
- deteriorationProcess of declining quality
weakening · crumbling · dying · fading · collapse · stagnation · obsolescence · neglect · abandonment · institutions
atrophiesgrows
Increases in amount
develops · enlarges · hypertrophies · builds up · bulks up
atrophiesthrives
Succeeds and grows
revitalizes · recovers · rejuvenates · reinvigorates · heals
- atrophic gastritisChronic stomach lining degeneration