a significant diminution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant diminution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a notable reduction or decrease in something, such as resources, quality, or quantity. Example: "The recent policy changes have led to a significant diminution in funding for public services."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

That is more power than ever invested in a Budget Committee chief and a significant diminution in the appropriation panel's traditional sway.

The New York Times

Announced by president Mahmoud Abbas last week (video), the move is a significant diminution of Palestinian ambitions after its application for full statehood failed last year when it was blocked by the US in the security council.

The Guardian

The contract stated that there would be a constructive termination if "a significant diminution in your responsibilities, authority or scope of duties is effected by the board of directors," even if his title did not change.

The New York Times

Cardinal O'Connor's outsized personality and his in-your-face skills with the New York media camouflaged what Catholic historians and church observers agree is a significant diminution in the influence of bishops in the daily lives of American Catholics.

The New York Times

This suggests that severely scaling back Our incentive plan — and its attendant costs — would not lead to a significant diminution in faithfulness, obedience, repentance, or other benefits accruing to Ourself.

The New Yorker

Festo's appeal, filed by Robert H. Bork, the former appeals court judge, told the Supreme Court that the ruling would have an acutely "destabilizing" effect on 1.2 million existing patents, with a "significant diminution" of patent holders' property rights.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

But it is causing a rift with the American military, which contends that any significant diminution of the Awakening could result in renewed violence, jeopardizing the substantial security gains in the past year.

The New York Times

As the Times puts it, the move against the Awakening by the government "is causing a rift with the American military, which contends that any significant diminution of the Awakening could result in renewed violence, jeopardizing the substantial security gains in the past year".

Huffington Post

Finely refinement of the preferred orientation correction in the [004] direction led to a highly significant diminution of χ 2, and a considerable improvement in the visual quality of the fit.

Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy

There is an enormous literature devoted to the effects on road safety produced by these systems, with almost all data converging on a resultant significant diminution of the number of road accident victims [18, 36].

European Transport Research Review

A single intratesticular injection of calcium chloride at doses of 5, 10 or 20% led to a graded significant diminution (p < 0.01) in gonado-somatic index in comparison to the animals treated with only normal saline (vehicle control).

BMC Veterinary Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant diminution", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced or decreased. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a significant diminution" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider simpler alternatives like "a big decrease" or "a noticeable drop" for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant diminution" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It typically describes a quantifiable or qualifiable decrease, as Ludwig examples show, indicating a notable reduction in something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant diminution" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a considerable reduction, as confirmed by Ludwig. While versatile, its formal tone makes it most suitable for academic, scientific, or professional contexts, as the examples from various sources highlight. Simpler terms like "a substantial decrease" or "a marked decline" may be more appropriate for informal communication. Ludwig indicates its frequent use across science and news media. Remember to consider the context and audience when choosing between "a significant diminution" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable decrease

Replaces "diminution" with "decrease", a more common and straightforward term.

a substantial reduction

Substitutes "significant" with "substantial" and "diminution" with "reduction", both conveying a similar magnitude of decrease.

a marked decline

Uses "decline" instead of "diminution", suggesting a downward trend that is noticeable.

a notable lessening

Employs "lessening" to indicate a reduction in amount or intensity that is worthy of attention.

a sharp fall

Replaces the noun phrase with a more dynamic image of something abruptly decreasing.

a considerable erosion

Uses "erosion" suggesting a gradual wearing away or decline, often in abstract concepts like power or support.

a perceptible drop

"Drop" implies a more immediate and measurable reduction than diminution.

a serious contraction

Implies a shrinking or reduction in size or scope, particularly applicable in economic contexts.

a tangible weakening

Suggests a reduction in strength or effectiveness that is easily observed.

a major downturn

Commonly used in economics, this conveys a significant negative shift in performance or conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "a significant diminution" in a sentence?

Use "a significant diminution" to describe a notable reduction in something. For example: "There has been "a significant diminution" in the number of students attending the lecture."

What are some alternatives to "a significant diminution"?

You can use alternatives like "a considerable decrease", "a substantial reduction", or "a marked decline" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a significant diminution"?

It is appropriate in formal writing or when discussing serious or important topics where precise language is valued. News reports or scientific papers are good examples. Try to avoid it in informal context.

Is "a significant decrease" the same as "a significant diminution"?

While they share a similar meaning, "a significant decrease" is more common and less formal. "A significant diminution" is generally reserved for more formal or technical contexts.