decline

Meaning

To become smaller, fewer, or less; to decrease gradually.

a gradual and continuous loss of strength, numbers, or quality; deterioration

To refuse politely or to decrease in strength, quality, or number.

Example Sentences

The unemployment rate continues to decline.

The decline in air quality became noticeable after the factory opened nearby.

She declined the invitation to the party.

Example Expressions

on the decline

Synonyms

decrease, reduce, fall, drop, diminish, lessen, deterioration, reduction, downfall, refuse, reject, deteriorate, weaken

Entry 1

decrease, reduce, fall, drop, diminish, lessen

Entry 2

deterioration, decrease, reduction, downfall

Entry 3

refuse, reject, deteriorate, weaken, decrease

Antonyms

increase, rise, grow, expand, escalate, surge, improvement, growth, accept

Entry 1

increase, rise, grow, expand, escalate, surge

Entry 2

improvement, increase, growth, rise

Entry 3

accept, rise, increase

Collocations

economic decline, gradual decline, steep decline, decline an offer, decline sharply, decline in sales

Entry 2

economic decline, gradual decline, steep decline

Entry 3

decline an offer, decline sharply, economic decline, decline in sales