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.

“The engine starts up again, right the second we’re in the same room talking about this character. I never worry it will atrophy because it feels so foundational to me.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2022

A lengthy period of time unemployed leading to homelessness will atrophy a person's skills.

From New York Times • Jan. 13, 2016

"If you're in a cast your muscles will atrophy and your joints will be stiff."

From Reuters • Dec. 12, 2011

Over time, your muscles will atrophy, your physical state will weaken, and you’ll probably gain weight.

From Scientific American • Mar. 7, 2011

And this works both ways: If too rigorously held in check, if denied all functioning whatever, the parts will atrophy, to the detriment of the whole nature, physical, mental, and spiritual.

From Sane Sex Life and Sane Sex Living Some Things That All Sane People Ought to Know About Sex Nature and Sex Functioning; Its Place in the Economy of Life, Its Proper Training and Righteous Exercise by Long, H. W. (Harland William)