Reduction: meaning, definitions and examples

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reduction

[rɪˈdʌkʃn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in mathematics

The action or fact of making a mathematical quantity smaller in size or amount.

Synonyms

cutback, decrease, diminution, lessening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reduction	Formal settings or technical contexts, often used to describe changes in size, quantity, or amount when something is being made smaller or less. The company announced a reduction in workforce There has been a significant reduction in crime rates this year
decrease	General use to talk about numbers, amounts, or rates going down. It is quite neutral and can be used in various contexts. There was a decrease in the temperature this week We observed a steady decrease in the number of visitors to the site
diminution	More formal or literary, used to describe a gradual reduction in size, strength, or importance. The diminution of natural resources is a serious concern Over the years, there was a noticeable diminution in his influence
lessening	Commonly used to describe a situation where the intensity or amount of something is being reduced, often in casual or conversational contexts. There has been a lessening of tensions between the two countries The new policy led to a lessening of staff workload
cutback	Often used in business or organizational settings, usually to indicate budget or resource reductions. It can have a negative connotation as it implies a reduction in something that was previously provided. The school faced major cutbacks in funding Due to economic pressures, the company had to implement cutbacks in production

Examples of usage

The reduction of the equation to its simplest form is essential for solving it.
The reduction of the data set helped in identifying the trend more clearly.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in economics

The amount by which something is reduced.

Synonyms

cut, decrease, lower, slash.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reduction	Formal settings, often used in business, academic, or scientific contexts to indicate a decrease in quantity, size, or amount. The company announced a reduction in workforce due to increased automation. There has been a significant reduction in crime rates in the past year.
decrease	Neutral and versatile, suitable for a variety of contexts including general, academic, and scientific discussions to signify a reduction in amount or intensity. There's been a decrease in the number of people attending the event. The new policy led to a decrease in pollution levels.
cut	More informal, commonly used in everyday conversation and often associated with financial or budgetary contexts. They are planning to cut the budget for next year. We had to cut our expenses to save money.
slash	Informal, often implies a dramatic or significant reduction, sometimes with a slight negative connotation due to its aggressive undertones. The store is slashing prices for the holiday season. The company had to slash its workforce by half.
lower	Can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Often used when referring to reducing levels, amounts, heights, prices, or intensity. They decided to lower the price to attract more customers. The doctor advised me to lower my sugar intake.

Examples of usage

The reduction in prices led to an increase in sales.
The reduction in taxes benefited the middle-income earners.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in size or amount

The action of making something smaller or less in amount.

Synonyms

contraction, decrease, diminution, shrinkage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reduction	General use when quantity, size, or amount is being made smaller. Often used in financial, environmental, or operational contexts. The company announced a reduction in workforce. There has been a reduction in CO2 emissions over the last decade.
decrease	General use for anything becoming less in quantity or size. Common in everyday language as well as formal contexts. There has been a decrease in the number of people attending the event. Sales show a steady decrease year over year.
diminution	A formal term for a reduction in size, importance, or strength. Often used in technical, legal, or academic contexts. The new policy led to a diminution of workers' rights. The diminution in water levels is concerning for the ecosystem.
shrinkage	Usually refers to something becoming smaller in size, especially in physical terms or in the context of loss, such as inventory shrinkage in retail. The shrinkage of the sweater after washing was unexpected. The company is dealing with high levels of inventory shrinkage.
contraction	Used when something is becoming tighter or smaller, often in physical or economic contexts. Can also refer to the shortening of words like 'can't' for 'cannot'. The contraction of the muscle caused severe pain. The economy is experiencing a contraction due to the recession.

Examples of usage

The reduction in workforce was necessary to maintain profitability.
The reduction in the size of the product packaging reduced shipping costs.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Originates from the Latin word 'reductio', which means 'a bringing back' or 'a leading back'.
The term has been in use in English since the 14th century, evolving in meaning over time.
Related words like 'reduce' and 'reduced' share the same root and reflect the act of making less.

Science

In chemistry, reduction refers to the gain of electrons in a chemical reaction, often linked with oxidation.
The concept is crucial in energy contexts, such as reducing waste to improve efficiency in fuel consumption.
In environmental science, reduction strategies are essential in aiming to lower carbon footprints.

Technology

In computer science, reduction often means simplifying a problem to make it easier to solve.
Data reduction techniques, like compression, minimize file sizes, improving storage and transfer speeds.
In programming, reduction can refer to the process of summarizing data sets for analysis.

Psychology

Cognitive reduction involves simplifying complex thoughts to make them easier to process and understand.
In behavior analysis, reduction techniques can help decrease unwanted behaviors through reinforcement of positive actions.
Stress reduction methods, including mindfulness and meditation, aim to decrease anxiety and promote well-being.

Economics

In economics, reduction refers to lowering prices or costs to increase market competitiveness.
Policies aimed at tax reduction are often designed to provide relief to individuals and businesses.
Wage reduction can impact employee morale and is often a response to economic downturns.

Translations

Translations of the word "reduction" in other languages:

🇵🇹 redução

🇮🇳 कमी

🇩🇪 Reduktion

🇮🇩 pengurangan

🇺🇦 зменшення

скорочення
редукція

🇵🇱 redukcja

🇯🇵 削減 (さくげん)

🇫🇷 réduction

🇪🇸 reducción

🇹🇷 azaltma

🇰🇷 감소 (減少)

🇸🇦 تخفيض

🇨🇿 redukce

🇸🇰 redukcia

🇨🇳 减少 (jiǎnshǎo)

🇸🇮 zmanjšanje

🇮🇸 fækkun

🇰🇿 қысқарту

🇬🇪 შემცირება

🇦🇿 azaltma

🇲🇽 reducción

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,104, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

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1101 write
1102 letters
1103 correct
1104 reduction
1105 picture
1106 union
1107 president
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