Definition

Relating to a process of becoming worse or less in quality, quantity, or strength.

Example

The declining economy has affected many businesses in the area.

Conversation

Have you noticed the trees are declining in health this year?

Yeah, it's really sad to see them like that.

I wonder if it's due to the lack of rain or something else.

Could be! I hope they recover before it gets worse.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To become smaller, weaker, or less; to refuse something.

Example

The number of people attending the event is declining each year.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you noticed that the weather is declining lately?

Yeah, it feels a lot colder than last week.

I hope it doesn’t start declining even more before the weekend.

Root Explanation

Declining → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "clinare" (meaning to lean or bend). The word describes the action of leaning down or moving away from a previous position, often indicating a reduction or decrease.

Memory Tip

Think of 'leaning down' ('de-') from a previous position ('clinare') — that's why declining means to decrease or move away from something.

Visually Confused Words