decline

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "decline" is correct and usable in written English.
It is mainly used as a verb with multiple meanings. For example, you can say "I declined his offer" to mean that you refused it. You can also use it to mean a decrease in numbers or value, such as in the sentence "The number of customers declined sharply this month".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

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

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

There is heightened media and public interest in issues such as climate change and the Green New Deal – issues where the big three parties are way behind the Greens – and the party has benefited from the decline of Labour and the Lib Dems in the polls since 2004.

The Guardian - Opinion

The villas, forum, shops, basilica and baths aren't what they were in 2AD – when an earthquake accelerated the decline in its fortunes – but it's easy to imagine the citizens looking out to sea while waiting for the action to kick off in the amphitheatre.

The Guardian - Travel

The latest figures show the Australian's weekday newspaper fell 6.5% year-on-year to 104,165 copies; Fairfax Media's Sydney Morning Herald suffered a double-digit decline of 11.3%, falling to 112,229 daily copies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decline" to describe a negative trend, consider quantifying the extent of the decline with specific numbers or percentages to add clarity and impact. For example, instead of saying "Sales declined," specify "Sales declined by 15%."

Common error

Avoid using "decline" when you mean to express strong disapproval or condemnation. "Decry" is the appropriate word for publicly criticizing something. "Decline" indicates a decrease or refusal, not an expression of disapproval.

How to use

Learn how to use "decline" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The word "decline" functions primarily as a verb and a noun. As a verb, it signifies refusing something or decreasing in quality or quantity. As a noun, it refers to a downward trend or deterioration. Ludwig AI confirms this versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "decline" is a versatile term used as both a verb and a noun, signifying refusal, decrease, or deterioration. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in various contexts. As a verb, it means to refuse or reject, while as a noun, it denotes a downward trend or decrease. It's a very common word, especially in News & Media, where it's often used to describe economic downturns, health issues, or other negative trends. While generally neutral in register, its formality can vary depending on the subject matter. Related terms include "decrease", "diminish", and "refuse", each with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease

Replaces "decline" with a more general term for reduction.

diminish

Suggests a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

deteriorate

Focuses on the worsening condition or quality.

refuse

Emphasizes the act of rejecting an offer or request.

reject

Similar to refuse, but can also imply discarding something as unsatisfactory.

wane

Indicates a gradual decrease in power, influence, or intensity.

slump

Describes a sudden and significant drop, especially in economic terms.

fall

A simple and direct term for a downward movement or reduction.

reject outright

Emphasizes a firm and decisive refusal.

turn down

An informal way to say refuse or reject.

FAQs

How can I use "decline" in a sentence?

You can use "decline" as a verb to mean refuse, as in "I "declined his offer"". It can also be used as a noun to refer to a decrease, such as "a sharp "decline in sales"".

What can I say instead of "decline"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "decrease", "refuse", "reject", "deteriorate", or "diminish".

Which is correct, "decline in" or "decline of"?

Both "decline in" and "decline of" are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Decline in" is often used with measurable quantities (e.g., "decline in sales"), while "decline of" is used for more general concepts (e.g., "decline of civilization").

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

"Decline" often implies a gradual and sometimes irreversible downturn, while "decrease" is a more neutral term for any reduction. You might say there's a "decrease" in temperature, but a species is in "decline" due to habitat loss.