wasting
n. uncountable C1 Advanced US //ˈweɪstɪŋ// UK //wˈeɪstɪŋ// wast·ing
n. the process of becoming thinner and weaker, usually because of a serious illness or not having enough food.
n. the progressive loss of muscle or body mass, typically resulting from chronic disease, malnutrition, or lack of physical activity.
The doctor noticed signs of muscle wasting in the patient's legs.
Severe wasting is a common symptom in the advanced stages of certain autoimmune disorders and long-term infections.
The clinical study focused on reversing the effects of cachexia, a syndrome characterized by systemic inflammation and the rapid wasting of skeletal muscle tissue in cancer patients.
Usage
Often functions as a gerund or part of a compound noun phrase like 'muscle wasting'.