sarcopenia

noun

sar·​co·​pe·​nia ˌsär-kō-ˈpē-nē-ə 

: reduction in skeletal muscle mass due to aging

Examples of sarcopenia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is called sarcopenia, or the loss of muscle strength and function over time. — Julia Landwehr, Health, 1 Dec. 2025

Low intake of protein over time can lead to sarcopenia, a progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. — Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2026

Patients with sarcopenia are prone to falls and fractures, which can precipitate swift and steep health declines. — Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Dec. 2025

Even the most superb body begins to diminish in a person’s early 30s, thanks to the onset of sarcopenia, which sounds like a canker but means the incremental decline of muscle mass. — Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

sarco- + -penia

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sarcopenia

• asthenia
• eugenia
• lacinia
• puccinia
• robinia
• vaccinia
• yersinia
• iphigenia
• leukopenia
• myasthenia
• neurasthenia
• neutropenia

Medical Definition

sarcopenia

noun

sar·​co·​pe·​nia ˌsär-kō-ˈpē-nē-ə 

: reduction in skeletal muscle mass due to aging

Age-related sarcopenia is a key component of frailty.

—Alessandro Laviano, The New England Journal of Medicine