declining cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "declining cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing economics, pricing strategies, or production efficiency where costs are decreasing over time or with increased production. Example: "As production scales up, we can expect a declining cost per unit, which will improve our profit margins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The idea has been dusted off again largely because of the declining cost of microprocessors.

The New York Times - Tech

The steadily declining cost of refrigeration has made eating much more interesting.

The New Yorker

Now, the declining cost of the technology needed to set up a home office may have made the centers passé.

The New York Times

Now, aided by the declining cost and increasing speed of microprocessors, far smoother sentences are possible, Dr. Rabiner said.

The New York Times

That declining cost curve must be tapped to lower energy prices and I believe it will be.

MIT Technology Review

The rapidly declining cost of communications and computing power has already wrought huge changes in the way people go about their daily lives.

The Economist

It turns out that instead, his comments related to the declining share of real estate commissions that agents are experiencing — and not a declining cost to consumers.

The New York Times

The rapidly declining cost of renewable energy, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) energy, provides a great opportunity for nations around the world to embrace a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

The Guardian

With the declining cost of DVD recorders, the film industry has been waging a legal battle with computer companies that sell software for copying DVDs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This, again, signals declining cost, says Zindler. "The technologies have reached an important tipping point in a number of markets in the world," he says.

The Washington Post

On the one hand, the rapidly declining cost of sequencing human genomes has enabled an explosion of information about polygenic complex diseases as reported in ever larger GWA studies.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing long-term trends, use "declining cost" to emphasize the ongoing reduction in expenses, for example: "The declining cost of solar panels is making renewable energy more accessible."

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "declining cost" automatically translates to increased profits. Consider other factors like market demand, competition, and potential increases in other operational costs. A "declining cost" in one area might be offset by rises elsewhere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "declining cost" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object, denoting a reduction in expenses or prices. As Ludwig AI shows, it's often used to describe economic trends or technological advancements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "declining cost" is a frequently used noun phrase, primarily functioning to describe a reduction in expenses. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and sees widespread use across diverse sources like news media, scientific publications, and academic writings. This term is versatile enough for neutral contexts, making it suitable for diverse communications. To enhance your writing, focus on contexts such as explaining long-term trends, and remember to look beyond the "declining cost" and check other factors like market demand, so as not to have misguided assumptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreasing cost

A more formal synonym, interchangeable in many contexts.

decreasing price

Focuses specifically on the monetary value decreasing.

reducing expense

Highlights the act of actively lowering expenses.

falling price

Emphasizes the downward trend of the price.

descending cost

Highlights the action of cost decreasing.

descending price

Highlights the action of price decreasing.

shrinking expenditure

Implies a gradual reduction in spending, more formal.

lower price point

Focuses on the resulting lower price level.

price reduction

Highlights the result, the action of reducing price.

reducing outlays

Highlights the action of reducing expenses.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "declining cost" in a sentence?

The phrase "declining cost" is often used to describe a reduction in the price of a good or service over time. For example, "The "declining cost of solar energy" has made it a more viable alternative to fossil fuels."

What are some synonyms for "declining cost"?

Alternatives to "declining cost" include "decreasing price", "reducing expense", and "falling price". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the cost is declining" instead of "declining cost"?

Yes, "the cost is declining" is a grammatically correct alternative. "Declining cost" functions as a noun phrase, while "the cost is declining" is a clause. Both are acceptable but have slightly different emphasis.

What factors contribute to a "declining cost" in technology?

Several factors can lead to a "declining cost" in technology, including economies of scale, increased competition, technological advancements that improve efficiency, and the expiration of patents.