Decline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Decline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a decrease or refusal of something, such as an invitation or an offer. Example: "I have to decline the invitation to the party this weekend due to prior commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Business

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

For all the optimism, church insiders privately acknowledge the decline of what are often already tiny rural churches means something will have to change.

The Guardian

He adds: "Sales volumes are currently so low that the monthly house price statistics from any one single lender are virtually meaningless, and if you look at Nationwide's latest quarterly data, it in fact shows a 4% decline on the previous quarter".

The Guardian - Business

Prices are down nearly 20% on their 2007 peak, but many economists have said the full decline will be 30%.

The Guardian - Business

The global public will need to see that the post-2012 agreement clearly sets the world on a path towards the peaking and decline of global emissions.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We've been seeing a steady decline in commercial media in regional areas – in recent weeks alone commercial operators have announced cuts to news broadcasts, the number of journalists and days of newspaper publication," Reynolds told Weekly Beast.

The Guardian

In London, 45% more surveyors reported a decline in the number of inquiries.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

No trade union leader since the second world war had to cope with such a catalogue of disasters, nor become so embroiled in a climate of political and industrial decline, as Norman Willis, the former general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, who has died aged 81.

The Guardian

Chief executive Philip Clarke insisted the decline was part of a plan to move away from selling consumer electronics, such as flat-screen TVs.

The Guardian - Business

Nationally, just 16% of 18- to 24-year-olds say they are certain to vote in an election and there has been a sharp decline over the past year in registration among black and ethnic minority voters from 77% to 58%, the Hansard Society's audit reveals.

The Guardian

Reid, who died in 2010, predicted Labour's decline, saying that the end of heavy industry in the 1980s meant that the politics of revolution would be replaced by the politics of identity.

The Guardian

There may be little appetite for further bloodshed from the Real IRA, and US president George Bush's new ultimatums on world terrorism may see further decline in support for Irish nationalists from the US.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing negative trends, use "decline" to emphasize a gradual decrease rather than a sudden drop, which might be better described using words like "plunge" or "collapse."

Common error

Avoid using "decline" as a verb when the context requires a noun. For example, instead of saying "The company's sales declined", consider "There was a decline in the company's sales".

Linguistic Context

The word "decline" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it typically refers to a decrease or downturn. As a verb, it means to refuse or reject. Ludwig AI confirms its versatile nature and correctness in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Travel

3%

Sport

2%

Society

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Decline" is a versatile term used extensively in English to denote a decrease, downturn, or refusal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions both as a noun and a verb, making it suitable for various contexts ranging from news reporting to business analyses. With a neutral register, "decline" appears frequently in news and media, formal business documents, and opinion pieces. Understanding its nuances and avoiding common errors, such as misusing it as a verb when a noun is required, can greatly enhance writing precision. Related phrases like "decrease", "diminish", and "deterioration" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts, enriching vocabulary and stylistic choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Decrease

Refers to a reduction in size, amount, or intensity; similar to "Decline" in representing a downward trend.

Diminish

Implies a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity, mirroring the weakening aspect of "Decline".

Deterioration

Focuses on the worsening or decay of something, aligning with the negative progression implied by "Decline".

Reduction

Highlights the act of making something smaller or less, similar to the quantitative aspect of "Decline".

Fall

Suggests a sudden drop or decrease, mirroring the abruptness that "Decline" can sometimes imply.

Worsening

Specifically indicates a change for the worse, emphasizing the negative outcome associated with "Decline".

Refusal

Denotes the act of rejecting or denying something, matching the 'reject' definition of "Decline".

Rejection

Similar to refusal, emphasizing the denial of an offer or proposal, analogous to "Decline" in specific contexts.

Downgrade

Implies a reduction in status or quality, relating to the lowering aspect of "Decline".

Slump

Suggests a sudden and severe fall, often in an economic context, aligning with the sharp decrease implied by "Decline".

FAQs

How can I use "decline" in a sentence?

"Decline" can be used as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to refuse something, like "I had to decline their offer". As a noun, it indicates a decrease or downturn, such as "There has been a significant decline in sales".

What are some synonyms for "decline"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "decline" include "decrease", "reduce", "reject", "refuse", or "wane".

Is it better to say "decline" or "decrease"?

Both "decline" and "decrease" indicate a reduction, but "decline" often implies a more gradual or continuous downturn, whereas "decrease" can be more general. Choose the word that best fits the specific context of the reduction you're describing.

What's the difference between "decline" and "decay"?

"Decline" generally refers to a decrease in quantity, quality, or power, while "decay" suggests a gradual rotting or decomposition. For example, you might talk about the decline of an empire versus the decay of organic matter.