1 B2 neutral
To destroy or damage something slowly through continuous physical or chemical action.
"The sea has been eating away at the cliffs for centuries."
inseparable
eat away
B2 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To gradually destroy or damage something through a slow, continuous process.
In plain English
To slowly destroy something bit by bit, like acid burning through metal.
What does "eat away" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To gradually reduce or deplete something over time.
"Unexpected bills kept eating away at their savings all year."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To eat something so that it gradually disappears — as if being consumed bite by bite.
Actually means
To slowly destroy something bit by bit, like acid burning through metal.
Usage tip
Can be used literally (rust eating away at metal) or figuratively (guilt eating away at someone). Very commonly followed by 'at' to specify the target. Both British and American English use this naturally.
Words that pair with "eat away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
rust acid guilt savings cliffs confidence
How to conjugate "eat away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
eat away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
eats away
he/she/it
Past simple
ate away
yesterday
Past participle
eaten away
have + pp
-ing form
eating away
continuous
Hear "eat away" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "eat away" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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