When an object gradually loses its shape or size through continuous use or friction, it can be referred to as wearing away. Some synonyms for the term include erosion, corrosion, abrasion, attrition, and disintegration. Erosion typically refers to the wearing down of rocks, soil, or land due to natural factors like wind, water, or ice. Corrosion, on the other hand, is the chemical wearing away of metal or other materials through exposure to elements like oxygen or acid. Abrasion and attrition both describe the physical wearing down of materials through friction or rubbing. Disintegration occurs when an object breaks down into smaller pieces due to wear and tear over time.