Declining Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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declining

[dɪˈklaɪnɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

economy

Becoming smaller, fewer, or less; decreasing.

Synonyms

decreasing, diminishing, falling, reducing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
declining

Use 'declining' when referring to a steady or gradual decrease in quality, quantity, or importance. It often has a slightly formal tone.

  • The health of the elderly man is declining.
  • The company's revenues have been declining for the past three years.
decreasing

'Decreasing' is a neutral term that can be used in general contexts to signify something becoming smaller or fewer in number, size, or amount.

  • The number of new COVID-19 cases is decreasing.
  • We need to work on decreasing our carbon footprint.
falling

Use 'falling' when talking about a decrease that is more noticeable and often faster. It can be used in casual or formal contexts.

  • Stock prices are falling rapidly.
  • The leaves started falling as autumn approached.
reducing

'Reducing' implies an intentional effort to make something smaller or fewer. It is often used in proactive or goal-oriented situations.

  • We are committed to reducing our waste production.
  • The company is reducing costs to improve profitability.
diminishing

'Diminishing' implies a reduction that is often ongoing and slightly noticeable. It can also carry a negative connotation, indicating a loss of value or importance.

  • The support for the policy is diminishing among the public.
  • The returns on this investment are gradually diminishing.

Examples of usage

  • The declining economy has led to many job losses.
  • Our company is facing declining sales this quarter.
  • The declining population in the region is a cause for concern.
  • The declining value of the currency is affecting imports.
  • The declining trend in the stock market has investors worried.
Context #2 | Verb

politeness

Refusing politely to do something or to accept something.

Synonyms

deny, refuse, reject, turn down.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
declining

Use this word when something is gradually decreasing or becoming worse over time, like health or statistics.

  • Her health is declining rapidly.
  • The company reported declining sales for the third quarter.
refuse

Use this word when someone does not agree or accept to do something. It often implies a strong unwillingness.

  • He refused to answer the question.
  • They refused the invitation to the party.
reject

Use this word when something or someone is not accepted, often formally. It can have a more harsh or negative tone.

  • The application was rejected.
  • She felt rejected when her proposal was turned down.
turn down

Use this phrase when declining an offer or request politely. It is a more casual and less formal term.

  • He turned down the job offer.
  • She turned down the invitation to lunch.
deny

Use this word when someone states that something is not true or does not exist. It often has a formal or serious tone.

  • He denied any involvement in the crime.
  • She denied the allegations against her.

Examples of usage

  • She declined the offer to join the committee.
  • He declined the invitation to the party.
  • They declined to comment on the matter.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • In economic terms, declining can refer to a downturn in GDP, indicating a reduction in a country’s economic health.
  • Businesses might decline in profitability due to market changes, competition, or decreased consumer demand.
  • A declining labor force can signal potential challenges for an economy as fewer workers can lead to reduced productivity.

Ecology

  • Certain species of animals and plants experience declining populations, often due to habitat loss and climate change.
  • Declining biodiversity can threaten ecosystems, leading to imbalances that affect food chains and natural processes.
  • Conservation efforts are aimed at reversing the declining trends of endangered species through protection and rehabilitation.

Health

  • Declining health can be a natural part of aging, but it can also result from diseases or poor lifestyle choices.
  • Early intervention in health can help prevent declines in health status, emphasizing preventative care.
  • Mental health can decline due to factors like stress, isolation, or trauma, highlighting the need for support resources.

Literature

  • Declining themes are often explored in literature, symbolizing loss, decay, or change within characters or settings.
  • Writers, in many works, use declining fortunes of characters as a plot device to evoke empathy or reflection.
  • The metaphor of declining landscapes can enhance storytelling, reflecting internal struggles alongside external environments.

Origin of 'declining'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'declināre,' which means 'to lean down or bend down.'
  • The transition into Middle French as 'decliner' shows the evolution of its use in different languages.
  • In English, the verb 'decline' has been used since the 14th century, often associated with failing health or opportunity.

The word 'declining' originates from the Middle English word 'declinen', which comes from the Old French word 'decliner', ultimately derived from the Latin word 'declinare' meaning 'to turn aside, avoid, or sink'. The usage of 'declining' has evolved over time to encompass both the concepts of decreasing in quantity as well as politely refusing or rejecting something.


See also: declension, declination, decliner.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,857 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.