decline (B1)

verb

Pronunciation: /dɪˈklaɪn/

Definition

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

Examples

• Sales of the product have declined sharply over the last quarter.

• The number of people applying for the job declined this year.

• His health began to decline after the accident.

How to Use decline

decline in (prepositional phrase)

To decrease in a specific area or quantity. — "There has been a decline in birth rates."

decline to do something (prepositional phrase)

To refuse to perform a specific action. — "The witness declined to answer the question."

Synonyms of decline

Words with a similar meaning to decline:

• decrease
• diminish
• wane
• dwindle

Antonyms of decline

Words with the opposite meaning to decline:

• increase
• grow
• improve

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary