Synonyms for

Declining

Verb / dɪˈklaɪnɪŋ / Another word for declining — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

becoming smaller, fewer, or less; decreasing

Synonyms & similar words

refuse reject decline wane worsen turndown godown passup accept slump better correct reducing diminishing dropping lowering shrinking slipping weakening fading ebbing waning dwindling sinking plunging slumping tumbling sagging flagging regressing retreating

Synonyms by register

Formal

diminishing waning ebbing subsiding

Informal

going down dropping falling off shrinking

Literary

fading receding sinking

Antonyms

increasing growing rising improving ascending developing flourishing

Common collocations

  • declining health
  • declining birth rate
  • declining standard
  • declining value
  • declining population
  • declining interest
  • declining sales

Word family

noun decline
verb decline
adjective declining

Usage note

Often used to describe a downward trend in numbers, quality, or health. Can sometimes imply a loss of strength or importance.

Example sentences

  1. The population of the town is declining.
  2. I noticed a declining trend in my grades.
  3. The company's profits are declining.
  4. The quality of the product is declining.
  5. Her health is declining day by day.

Quotes

  • The love of liberty is the love of others; the love of power is the love of ourselves. The former is noble and generous, the latter selfish and declining.
  • Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. It is the declining years that bring wisdom to the eyes.
  • We are living in a time when the world is rapidly changing, and we are at a crossroads. We can either embrace the new reality or cling to the declining past.

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