The term 'whittled away' can be described as having been eroded or reduced gradually over time. This is often used to describe a situation in which something has been slowly diminished or weakened until it is no longer present. The crossword solution for this term is 'eroded, ' which means to have been worn away by the action of water, wind, or other natural elements. This term is often used to describe the gradual wearing away of landforms such as mountains or cliffs.