Waste away Meaning in English
expression
ˈweɪst/ /əˈweɪ
WAYST uh-WAY
wˈeɪst/ /ɐwˈeɪ
WAYST uh-WAY
Definition
To become very thin and weak over time, usually because of illness or not eating enough.
Usage & Nuances
This phrase is often used about people suffering from serious illness or malnutrition. Formal alternatives include 'deteriorate' or 'decline'. Not commonly used for objects. Common in emotional or compassionate contexts.
Spanish: consumirse - quedarse en los huesosPortuguese (BR): definhar - enfraquecerPortuguese (PT): definhar - enfraquecerChinese (Simplified): 消瘦 - 衰弱Chinese (Traditional): 消瘦 - 衰弱Hindi: कमज़ोर होते जाना - सूख जानाArabic: يضعف تدريجياً - يذبلBengali: ক্ষীণ হয়ে যাওয়া - মলিন হয়ে যাওয়াRussian: сохнуть - чахнутьJapanese: やせ細るVietnamese: tiều tụy điKorean: 쇠약해지다Turkish: eriyip gitmek - günden güne erimekUrdu: کمزور ہونا - گھلناIndonesian: menyusut - merana
Example Sentences
If you don't eat, you will waste away.
basic
The sick man began to waste away in the hospital.
basic
She didn't want to waste away from sadness.
basic
He watched his childhood friend waste away over the years.
natural
Nobody wants to see a loved one waste away.
natural
After her illness, she seemed to just waste away day by day.
natural