whittle away

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.

At first, she was content to whittle away at her debt by making the minimum payments for perhaps two decades.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 22, 2025

Then, as Joe tries and fails to whittle away at Brontë’s sense of self in a bid to regain her affections, he realizes that he has lost control.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2025

Others worry that increased efficiency through AI tools could whittle away jobs in areas like makeup, production and animation.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2024

"If you don't feel exhilarated by it, it's a slog. It's a really, really dreadful way to whittle away your life unless you love it," he says.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2024

I daresay I'd be wiser not to whittle away my copy.

From Of Human Bondage by Maugham, W. Somerset (William Somerset)