wearing away

(noun) (geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it). Synonyms: erosion, eroding, eating away, wearing, wearing away.

(verb) cut away in small pieces. Synonyms: whittle away, whittle down, wear away.

(verb) diminish, as by friction. Synonyms: wear away, wear off. Example: "Erosion wore away the surface."

(verb) become ground down or deteriorate. Synonyms: erode, gnaw, gnaw at, eat at, wear away. Example: "Her confidence eroded."