Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Diminishing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📉
Add to dictionary

diminishing

[dɪˈmɪnɪʃɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

influence

Diminishing refers to the process of becoming smaller or less important.

Synonyms

declining, decreasing, reducing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
diminishing

Use this word when something is becoming less in quantity, importance, or intensity over time. It often implies a gradual reduction.

  • His influence in the company is diminishing as he nears retirement.
  • The interest in the old-fashioned music genre is diminishing among the younger generation.
decreasing

This word is appropriate when referring to something that is becoming less in size, amount, number, or extent. It can be used in a more general sense without any negative implications.

  • The number of participants in the event is decreasing every year.
  • His interest in the project is decreasing as he gets more involved in other activities.
declining

This word is suitable when referring to a downward trend or reduction in quality, importance, quantity, or power. It often suggests a continuous fall and can have a negative connotation.

  • The region's economy has been declining for the past decade.
  • The quality of the product has been declining since they changed the manufacturing process.
reducing

Choose this word when talking about actively making something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size. It usually implies a deliberate action.

  • We are working on reducing the company's overhead costs.
  • She is focusing on reducing her carbon footprint by using public transport.

Examples of usage

  • The diminishing influence of the old political party was evident in the election results.
  • As the company faced financial difficulties, the diminishing profits led to layoffs.
Context #2 | Noun

returns

Diminishing returns occur when the benefit gained from an additional unit of input decreases.

Synonyms

decreasing, diminution, reduced yield.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
diminishing

Diminishing is typically used to describe something that is gradually getting smaller or less important over time.

  • interest in the new game is quickly diminishing; the sun’s rays were diminishing as the evening approached
decreasing

Decreasing can describe a general reduction in size, amount, or intensity. It is often used in a variety of professional or scientific contexts.

  • the company's profits are decreasing each quarter; the number of participants is decreasing every year
diminution

Diminution is a more formal term that often appears in academic or legal settings. It refers to the reduction in the size, extent, or importance of something.

  • the diminution of human rights in that country concerns many; investors are worried about the diminution of the company's market share

Examples of usage

  • The farmer experienced diminishing returns as he added more fertilizer to the soil.
  • The company realized the concept of diminishing returns when hiring more employees did not increase productivity as expected.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Diminishing returns in psychology can refer to when the reward drops in response to increased effort.
  • The concept relates to how people can feel less happiness from repeated experiences, known as hedonic adaptation.
  • Diminishing motivation can occur if rewards are perceived as less valuable over time.

Economics

  • In economics, diminishing marginal returns refers to the decrease in the added output when one factor is increased while others remain constant.
  • This principle helps explain why overworking a resource can lead to less efficiency.
  • Understanding diminishing returns is critical for resource management and allocation in various industries.

Art and Literature

  • In literature, a character's diminishing traits often signify a decline or fall from grace, adding depth to storytelling.
  • Artists can also portray the idea of diminishing visually, through fading colors or shrinking dimensions in their work.
  • Themes of loss and nostalgia often incorporate elements of diminishing to evoke feelings of sadness and reflection.

Nature

  • In environmental science, species populations can face diminishing numbers due to habitat loss and climate change.
  • Diminishing natural resources raise concerns about sustainability and the health of ecosystems.
  • The phenomenon of diminishing biodiversity indicates a loss of variety among living organisms in a specific habitat.

Origin of 'diminishing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'diminish' comes from the Latin 'diminuere', meaning to lessen.
  • In Middle English, it was used as 'diminishen', which also referred to making lesser or reducing.
  • The prefix 'di-' means 'apart' in Latin, while 'minish' comes from 'minus', meaning less.

The word 'diminishing' originates from the verb 'diminish,' which comes from the Old French word 'diminuer,' meaning 'make small.' The concept of diminishing has been observed in various fields such as economics, mathematics, and social sciences, highlighting the idea of reduction or decrease in size, importance, or value.

See also: diminish, diminished, diminishment, diminution.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,477 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.