Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Our democratic muscles have atrophied, and I hope they can be reinvigorated before it's too late.

From Salon • May 5, 2025

He noted that North Korea's conventional ground forces "have atrophied over time" as Kim has advanced his nuclear weapons and missile programs.

From Reuters • Mar. 23, 2023

“Even if our relationship-building muscles have atrophied, with a bit of work they’ll regain their strength.”

From New York Times • Oct. 1, 2022

Most of today’s baseball players appear to have atrophied into uni-dimensional hitters who swing for the fences and strike out at a rate that has risen 50% in the last 16 years.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 17, 2022

“The cells in your systems have atrophied and are dead,” she said sharply.

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez