To gradually become less intense, visible, strong, or noticeable until eventually gone or almost gone.
To slowly get smaller, quieter, or weaker until you can barely see or hear it anymore.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
For a sound, image, or light to gradually become quieter, dimmer, or less visible until almost or completely gone.
"The music faded away as the car drove further down the road."
Old soldiers never die; they just fade away.
— General Douglas MacArthur, farewell address to Congress, 1951
For a feeling, memory, or phenomenon to gradually become weaker or less important over time.
"Her enthusiasm for the project faded away after weeks of setbacks."
For a person to gradually lose physical strength or health.
"In his final months, he faded away until he was barely recognizable."
To lose colour and move further away until invisible.
To slowly get smaller, quieter, or weaker until you can barely see or hear it anymore.
Used for sounds, images, memories, feelings, physical strength, and cultural phenomena. Carries a slightly melancholy or wistful tone. Also appears in the expression 'old soldiers never die, they just fade away.' Common in both literary and everyday contexts.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "fade away" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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