Decline
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /dɪˈklaɪn/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Decline is a noun meaning Downward movement, fall.
Meaning
Downward movement, fall.
More Meanings
- A sloping downward, e.g. of a hill or road.
- A deterioration of condition; a weakening or worsening.
- A reduction or diminution of activity, prevalence or quantity.
- The act of declining or refusing something.
- (intransitive) To move downwards, to fall, to drop.
- (intransitive) To become weaker or worse.
- (transitive) To bend downward; to bring down; to depress; to cause to bend, or fall.
Example Sentences
Population decline is a major concern.
Educational standards are on the decline.
The country's global reputation is in decline.
He has experienced a sudden decline in his health.
Word Forms
- declines
- declining
- declined
- declinest
- declinedst
- declineth
Synonyms for decline
Depending on context, synonyms include descent, declense, decay, reject, diminution, fall.
Antonyms for decline
Common opposites include incline, ameliorate, improve, meliorate, rise, raise.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include descent, fall, downslope, wane, diminution, decay.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.