declining health

USAGE SUMMARY

'declining health' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a decrease in someone's general physical and mental wellbeing. For example, "David is experiencing declining health and decided to see his doctor for regular check-ups."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Each is in declining health.

The Guardian - Sport

He dwells on his declining health.

The New York Times - Sports

Hip fractures often lead to declining health.

The New York Times - Health

He had been in declining health for years.

The New York Times

His declining health also limited access, especially for scholars.

The New Yorker

His remaining years were spent in depression and declining health.

The Guardian - Music

His wife, Queen Sirikit, has also suffered declining health.

The Guardian

Declining health forced him to retire in 1997.

The New York Times - Arts

This novel remained unfinished owing to Austen's declining health.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Crumley had been in declining health with kidney, vascular and other problems in recent years.

The New York Times - Books

Edwin Billet, age 90 died after several years of declining health.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "declining health", be specific about the symptoms or conditions if possible. Providing context helps the reader understand the extent and nature of the health issues.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "declining health" without providing any details. This can leave the audience unclear about the actual health challenges faced. Offer more context to create a clear picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "declining health" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of diminishing physical or mental well-being. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "declining health" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a gradual deterioration of someone's physical or mental well-being. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's used across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and general discussions. When using the phrase, it's helpful to provide specific details about the symptoms or conditions contributing to the decline. While synonyms like "deteriorating health" and "failing health" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid vague descriptions and provide context for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deteriorating health

Focuses on the progressive worsening of health.

failing health

Emphasizes the loss of health and strength.

waning health

Suggests a gradual decrease in health, similar to the waning of the moon.

deteriorating condition

Broader term that can apply to overall condition, including health.

weakening health

Highlights the loss of strength and vitality.

poor health

A general term indicating a state of ill health.

ailing health

Suggests a state of sickness or ill health.

fragile health

Highlights the vulnerability and instability of one's health.

slipping health

Emphasizes the subtle and gradual decline in health.

lapsing health

Highlights the diminishing and fading nature of one's health status.

FAQs

What does "declining health" mean?

"Declining health" refers to a gradual deterioration of a person's physical or mental condition. It indicates a progressive loss of well-being and functionality.

What are some synonyms for "declining health"?

Alternatives include "deteriorating health", "failing health", and "waning health", which all suggest a worsening health condition.

How can I use "declining health" in a sentence?

You can use "declining health" in sentences like, "Due to his declining health, he decided to retire early" or "The queen's declining health was a cause of concern for the nation."

Is it better to say "declining health" or "deteriorating health"?

Both "declining health" and "deteriorating health" are acceptable and often interchangeable. "Deteriorating" might emphasize a more severe or rapid decline, but the choice depends on the specific context.