by the wayside

phrase

: out of consideration : into a condition of neglect or disuse
—usually used with fall

Examples of by the wayside in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even thriving gardens can appear chaotic when a few maintenance tasks fall by the wayside. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 2 July 2026 The early stages of last year’s tournament were utterly consumed by that drama, with big names falling by the wayside wherever and whenever fans looked. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of by the wayside was in 1923

Rhymes for by the wayside

See All Rhymes for by the wayside

Browse Nearby Words

by the way
by the wayside
by-thing
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“By the wayside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20the%20wayside. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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