declining priority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "declining priority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is becoming less important or urgent over time. Example: "As the project progresses, the issue of budget constraints has become a declining priority for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Last week the former children's minister said that the children and families agenda is a declining priority for this government.

The Guardian

In the order of declining priority: 1. Date of first histological or cytological confirmation of this malignancy (with the exception of histology or cytology at autopsy).

British Journal of Cancer

Order of declining priority: Date of first histological or cytological confirmation of this malignancy (with the exception of histology or cytology at autopsy).

British Journal of Cancer

He told them children and families' issues had become a "declining priority" in the department, despite unprecedented public concern.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We also believe that our approach facilitates the exploration of ecosystem services trade-offs on a spatial landscape scale, and results can be used by managers to identify areas in which services are declining or priority areas for conservation based on maximizing ecosystem services, and will be useful in detecting potential conflicts associated with new management and planning practices.

Landscape and Urban Planning

Relative to other outlays and uses of our national income, children are scheduled to become an ever-declining priority.

Huffington Post

Regretfully, he had to decline, giving priority to his research efforts in the Molteno Institute that led, in 1952, to a research fellowship at King's.

MIT Technology Review

In an email, Mr. Weinstein of the M.T.A. said that "the safety of workers and riders is our Number 1 priority," declining to answer specific questions about the increase in delays because of track work.

The New York Times

We considered demographically increasing populations (slope > 0) to be low priority (i.e., at low risk), stable or slightly declining populations as medium priority, and steeply declining populations as high priority.

Evolutionary Applications

We have caused a rise in urban populations of seagulls (mostly herring gulls, a declining species and conservation priority) because we have removed fish from the sea, cleaned up landfill sites and built brilliant artificial nests known as chimney stacks.

The Guardian - Opinion

The problem is a noxious mix of news priorities and declining media resources.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs like 'diminish' or 'wane' to further emphasize the reduction in priority.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a temporary decrease in focus on something means it has become a "declining priority". Ensure that the shift is long-term and intentional, not just a short-term adjustment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "declining priority" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "declining" modifies the noun "priority". As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes something that is becoming less important. Examples show its use in discussing governmental agendas and conservation efforts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "declining priority" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote something losing importance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct. It's most commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what is losing importance and why. Consider alternatives such as "decreasing importance" or "waning significance" for variety. Be mindful not to confuse temporary lulls with permanent shifts in priority. Though "declining priority" isn't extremely common, it is well understood and conveys a clear meaning when used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreasing importance

Emphasizes the diminishing level of significance.

lessening importance

Highlights the reduction in the degree of significance.

waning significance

Focuses on the fading or weakening of importance.

diminishing concern

Stresses the reduction in worry or attention given.

receding urgency

Indicates that the issue is becoming less pressing or time-sensitive.

fading focus

Highlights the gradual loss of attention or emphasis.

reduced emphasis

Points to a decrease in the level of stress or importance placed on something.

lower ranking

Implies a shift in position to a less important spot in a hierarchy.

descending order of priority

Formally describes a ranking system where items are ordered from most to least important.

shifting priorities

Suggests that what was once a priority is being replaced by something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "declining priority" to describe situations where something is becoming less important or urgent over time. For example: "Due to budget cuts, employee training has become a "declining priority" for the company".

What are some alternatives to "declining priority"?

Alternatives include "decreasing importance", "lessening importance", or "waning significance". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "declining priority" grammatically correct?

Yes, "declining priority" is grammatically correct. "Declining" is an adjective modifying the noun "priority", indicating a decrease in importance or urgency.

What is the difference between "declining priority" and "shifting priorities"?

"Declining priority" implies a reduction in importance, while "shifting priorities" suggests a change in what is considered important. With "shifting priorities", something new is taking precedence, whereas with "declining priority" the focus is simply lessening.