a decline in output

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decline in output" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reduction in production, performance, or results in various contexts, such as economics, business, or manufacturing. Example: "The company reported a decline in output due to supply chain disruptions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

In such a world a decline in output is an important step towards production that more closely matches consumer demand.

The Guardian - Opinion

Annual profits at Tullow Oil plummeted to £20m from £299m due to lower oil and gas prices and a decline in output.

The Guardian - Business

UK factories entered 2016 in a "state of near stagnation" following a decline in output growth and new orders during December.

The Guardian - Business

The crisis spread from the banks to the real economy, leading to a decline in output just as steep as that during the Great Depression.

The Guardian - Business

The result was a decline in output and prices in countries throughout the world that also nearly matched the downturn in the United States.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Greece continued to be the worst of those countries, suffering a decline in output of 1.4 percent, while the Portuguese economy shrank 0.3 percent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Feeding the fears was overnight data from China that showed a decline in manufacturing output.

Independent

The seriousness of the slowdown in Germany became evident on Tuesday when it reported a decline in industrial output in June.

The New York Times

In trading early Friday in Asia, stocks fell for the first day in four after the government reported a decline in factory output.

The New York Times

A survey of managers in manufacturing, published Wednesday, pointed to a decline in European output during the last three months of 2011.

The New York Times

Mr Edwards reckons that a decline in electricity output may mean that GDP is falling, no matter what the official figures say.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic trends, use "a decline in output" to specifically refer to a decrease in the amount of goods or services produced by a business, sector, or country. This distinguishes it from related concepts like reduced efficiency or decreased sales.

Common error

Avoid using "a decline in output" when you actually mean a decline in the results or effects of a process. "Output" refers specifically to the quantity produced, not the broader consequences. For the latter, use "a decline in results" or "a negative outcome" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decline in output" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a reduction in the quantity of goods or services produced. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe economic downturns, industrial slowdowns, and production issues.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decline in output" is a noun phrase used to describe a reduction in production, performance, or results. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, including news, science, and business. It's important to distinguish between "output" and "outcome" to avoid misapplication. Related phrases include "a decrease in production" and "a reduction in productivity". The phrase is versatile and can be adapted to fit various registers, though it is mostly found in news and scientific contexts. As Ludwig suggests, this phrase provides a specific and accurate way to describe decreases in production across many fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decrease in production

This alternative directly replaces "decline" with "decrease" and "output" with "production", focusing on the reduction in goods or services produced.

a reduction in productivity

This alternative replaces "output" with "productivity", shifting the focus to the efficiency of production rather than the quantity.

a fall in production

This alternative uses "fall" instead of "decline", which implies a more sudden or rapid decrease.

a drop in yield

This alternative is particularly suitable for agricultural or investment contexts, emphasizing the reduction in returns or harvest.

a downturn in production

This alternative suggests a negative trend or period of reduced output, often in a broader economic context.

a slump in production

This alternative implies a more severe and prolonged reduction in output than a simple decline.

decreased production levels

This option is a more descriptive and less idiomatic way of expressing the same concept.

reduced manufacturing

This alternative specifically targets the manufacturing sector, indicating a cutback in industrial production.

output contraction

This option uses a more formal and technical term for a decline in output, suitable for economic or business analysis.

a lessening of production

This alternative is a more descriptive, though less common, way of expressing a reduction in output.

FAQs

How can I use "a decline in output" in a sentence?

You can use "a decline in output" to describe a reduction in production. For instance, "The factory experienced "a decline in output" due to the strike."

What are some synonyms for "a decline in output"?

Alternatives include "a decrease in production", "a reduction in productivity", or "a fall in production", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "decline in output" or "decrease in output"?

Both "decline in output" and "decrease in output" are correct. The choice depends on the desired tone; "decline" can sometimes imply a more gradual or continuous reduction, while "decrease" is more direct.

What factors might contribute to "a decline in output"?

Various factors can lead to "a decline in output", including economic recession, supply chain disruptions, technological obsolescence, labor shortages, or decreased consumer demand.