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.
That leaves countless other languages and dialects, even those spoken by tens of millions of people, by the wayside. — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 There are so many things that fall by the wayside, get destroyed and steamrolled. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026 The demise of Canopy is the third floating offshore wind project in California to go by the wayside this year. — Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 Precious few legislative days remain on the House or Senate calendar between now and November’s midterm elections, meaning the legislation could fall by the wayside as lawmakers prioritize government funding and other higher priorities. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for by the wayside

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 1 Sep. 2026.

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