decline in work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decline in work" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing a reduction in the amount of work or tasks available, or a decrease in productivity. For example: "There has been a noticeable decline in work due to the recent economic downturn." Alternative expressions include "decrease in work" and "drop in work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Concerning the recent decline in work injuries, however, Professor Hamermesh said: "Why all of sudden?

The New York Times

Over the same period, these younger men exhibited a larger decline in work hours than older men or women.

Princeton University

"Aramis was returned by his adoptive family because the builder dad saw a huge decline in work," Ms. Barrett-Distefano said as she began to name a few.

The New York Times

My former neighbor, an accomplished freelance copywriter in publishing and direct mail advertising, was already encountering such a decline in work months before 9/11.

The New York Times

"Totally segregating work from personal activities might result in a net decline in work performed, not to mention lower workplace morale," he added.

The New York Times

Law firms in the United States are culling associates and shrinking summer associate programs amid a decline in work, particularly in areas like real estate, securities and capital markets.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

[C2.] A Decline in Work-Related Injuries Since 1992, the number of work-related injuries and illnesses has fallen 25percenttranslatingintointo at least a $125 billion annual lift for the economy.

The New York Times

Mr. Mendez also pointed to federal data showing an overall decline in work-zone fatalities — 32percentt over the last five years, after climbing 20percentt in the previous five — as evidence that "something is happening" to make them safer.

The New York Times

Here the decline in work-force participation is of a piece with the broader turn away from community in America — from family breakdown and declining churchgoing to the retreat into the virtual forms of sport and sex and friendship.

The New York Times

But it's worth linking today's trends to the older dream of a post-work utopia, because there are ways in which the decline in work-force participation is actually being made possible by material progress.

The New York Times

Another analysis found the decline in working hours in Europe was mostly because of tight labor market regulations, not taxes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic trends, use "decline in work" to highlight a decrease in overall employment or job availability. For example, "The recent economic downturn has led to a significant decline in work opportunities."

Common error

Avoid using "decline at work" when you mean a general reduction in job opportunities. "Decline at work" typically refers to an individual's performance decreasing while "decline in work" refers to a broader economic trend or industry shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decline in work" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of reduction or decrease related to employment or job availability, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decline in work" is a grammatically sound and acceptably used phrase that describes a reduction or decrease in the availability of work, employment opportunities, or overall job participation. Ludwig AI indicates that while not overly frequent, it's found in both news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the broader implications, such as economic downturns or shifts in industry. While alternatives like "decrease in employment" or "reduction in workload" exist, "decline in work" offers a direct and commonly understood way to address this subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease in employment

Replaces "work" with "employment", emphasizing the reduction in the number of people working.

reduction in workload

Focuses on the amount of work being lessened, rather than the overall availability of work.

drop in job opportunities

Highlights the reduction in available jobs, shifting the focus to opportunities.

fall in productivity

Emphasizes the decrease in output or efficiency at work.

downturn in labor

Uses "downturn" to suggest a negative trend in the labor market.

decrease in working hours

Specifically refers to a reduction in the time spent working.

slump in business activity

Indicates a decline in overall business operations, potentially leading to less work.

recession in the job market

Implies a broader economic downturn affecting job availability.

contraction in the workforce

Highlights a shrinking labor force due to various economic factors.

erosion of job security

Focuses on the weakening stability and permanence of employment.

FAQs

What does "decline in work" mean?

The phrase "decline in work" refers to a reduction or decrease in the amount of work available, the number of people employed, or overall job opportunities within a specific sector or economy.

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

You might say, "The manufacturing sector has experienced a significant "decline in work" due to automation and outsourcing."

What are some alternatives to "decline in work"?

Alternatives include "decrease in employment", "reduction in workload", or "drop in job opportunities", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "decline at work" instead of "decline in work"?

While "decline in work" refers to a general reduction in work opportunities, "decline at work" typically refers to a decrease in an individual's performance or abilities while on the job.