a precipitous decline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precipitous decline" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe a sudden, sharp decrease in a certain factor, such as an economic decline. For example, you could say "The coronavirus pandemic has led to a precipitous decline in the tourism industry".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the second quarter, Taiwan's GDP fell by 2.4% over a year earlier, led by a precipitous decline in exports.

The Economist

Immediately, Brazil's currency -- the real -- began a precipitous decline.

The New York Times

But that masks a precipitous decline in native-born Catholics.

The New York Times

Such a precipitous decline had not occurred since the 1930s.

The New York Times

By November, with Apple stock in the midst of a precipitous decline, they were still bullish.

The New York Times

Wildlife experts have documented a precipitous decline in elephant populations, particularly in Africa.

The New York Times

Some of Britain's most taken-for-granted birds are on a precipitous decline.

The Guardian

The Agency for International Development, in particular, has seen a precipitous decline in personnel.

The New York Times

Over the past six years, however, the Gault-Millau organization has been on a precipitous decline.

The New York Times

A precipitous decline in such financings would directly affect companies like Intel, Compaq and Lucent Technologies.

The New York Times

That has contributed to a precipitous decline in religious observance in such fiercely Catholic countries as Ireland.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a precipitous decline" to describe situations where a rapid and significant drop is observed, particularly in contexts like economic indicators, population statistics, or performance metrics. This phrase is more impactful than simply stating "a decrease."

Common error

While accurate, using "a precipitous decline" in casual conversations or informal writing might sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler terms like "a sharp drop" or "a sudden fall" in less formal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precipitous decline" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples illustrate its use in describing sharp decreases in various contexts, such as economic trends or population sizes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a precipitous decline" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a sharp and rapid decrease. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for formal contexts such as news reports, academic papers, and professional analyses, where precision and impact are desired. While accurate, using "a precipitous decline" might sound too formal in informal situations; therefore, simpler alternatives are preferred. The phrase is observed predominantly in News & Media and Science sources. Using "a precipitous decline" effectively requires awareness of its formality and impact, ensuring it aligns with the intended audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sharp downturn

Uses "downturn" instead of "decline", emphasizing a negative turn in a situation.

a rapid fall

Replaces "precipitous" with "rapid" and "decline" with "fall", focusing on the speed of the decrease.

a steep drop

Substitutes "precipitous" with "steep" and "decline" with "drop", highlighting the angle of the decrease.

a sudden decrease

Emphasizes the abruptness of the reduction, using "sudden" to replace "precipitous".

a marked reduction

Focuses on the noticeable nature of the decrease, using "marked" instead of "precipitous".

a dramatic decrease

Emphasizes the intensity of the reduction, replacing "precipitous" with "dramatic".

a significant drop-off

Uses "drop-off" to convey a decrease and "significant" to show importance.

a substantial reduction

Highlights the considerable amount of the reduction, using "substantial" instead of "precipitous".

a quick reduction

Highlights the speed of the reduction.

a fast decline

Uses "fast" instead of "precipitous" to emphasize the speed of the decline.

FAQs

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

You can use "a precipitous decline" to describe a sharp and rapid decrease in something. For example, "The company experienced "a precipitous decline" in profits after the new regulations were implemented."

What can I say instead of "a precipitous decline"?

You can use alternatives like "a sharp downturn", "a rapid fall", or "a steep drop" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a precipitous decline" or "a rapid decline"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""a precipitous decline"" suggests a more sudden and dramatic drop than "a rapid decline". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a precipitous decline" and "a gradual decline"?

"A precipitous decline" refers to a sudden and steep drop, while "a gradual decline" describes a slow and steady decrease over time. They represent opposite patterns of change.