graduallygivingway
verb phraseUK /ˈɡrædʒuəli ˈɡɪvɪŋ weɪ/
US /ˈɡrædʒuəli ˈɡɪvɪŋ weɪ/
Slowly stopping to resist or hold firm.
The old wooden fence was gradually giving way under the weight of the snow.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Slowly being replaced by something else.
Handwritten letters are gradually giving way to emails.
3. Slowly losing strength or control.
His patience was gradually giving way after hours of waiting.
4. Slowly bending or breaking under pressure.
The bridge was gradually giving way as the river rose.