diminishing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "diminishing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reduction in size, amount, or importance over time. Example: "The company's profits have been diminishing steadily over the past few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The channel's rolling-news hours are diminishing fast, eaten up by Victoria Derbyshire's unpopular new mid-morning show, dreary repeats of The Travel Show and Click on Sundays, and – as from June – even a simulcast of BBC World News's Outside Source in the plum 9pm slot.

The Guardian

It was led by efforts in New York, which hit the limits of a diminishing tax base and vanishing bank loans in 1975 and was pushed to the brink of municipal bankruptcy.

The Guardian

But it hasn't all been good news – a recent report suggested that open access posed a diminishing threat to traditional publishers.

The Guardian

At a time when the diminishing image of the Scottish game is crucial, this is bad news.

The Guardian - Sport

Or there could be more complicated underlying challenges within the polling industry, due for example to the fact that a diminishing number of people use landlines or that internet polls are ultimately based on a self-selected sample.

The Guardian

Have your say below and join us again on Monday when we find out just what we learned this weekend (my money's on a BIG lesson on the diminishing returns of hype...)...

The Guardian - Sport

Despite diminishing viewing figures and the impending loss of two of its judging panel, Simon Cowell's weekend entertainment goliath The X Factor has been renewed by ITV for three more years.

The Guardian - Music

Traces of the passage exist only in a few maps, plans and photographs – and in a diminishing pool of memories.

The Guardian

Unionists might try to recalibrate that reality by highlighting points of detail, but for nearly a decade that had been subject to the law of diminishing returns.

The Guardian

Without their support he'll cascade downwards through the diminishing strata of celebrity, through bad sitcoms and reality shows and shopping-centre openings, until he hits rock bottom and ends up successfully running for London mayor.

The Guardian

For the past week, health authorities had noted that Romero Ramos' health was improving and said that the presence of the virus in her blood was diminishing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "diminishing", consider the specific context. It's best suited for situations where something is gradually decreasing over time, such as "diminishing returns" or a "diminishing influence".

Common error

Avoid using "diminishing" when a sudden or abrupt decrease is meant. In such cases, words like "reduced" or "collapsed" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "diminishing" functions primarily as an adjective, often modifying nouns to describe something that is in the process of becoming smaller or less significant. It can also function as a present participle of the verb 'diminish'. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "diminishing" functions as an adjective or present participle, commonly used to describe a gradual reduction or decline over time. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English. With a high source quality score and frequent use in news, formal, and scientific contexts, it's a versatile term for conveying a sense of decreasing size, importance, or intensity. When using "diminishing", remember to consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. Alternatives such as "decreasing", "declining", and "lessening" offer similar nuances. However, "diminishing" is best suited for gradual decreases. As evidenced by its frequent use in reputable sources like The Guardian and The Economist, mastering the use of "diminishing" enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreasing

A direct synonym, simply indicating a reduction in quantity or size.

declining

Suggests a gradual decrease, often in quality or influence.

lessening

Emphasizes a reduction in intensity or degree.

waning

Implies a fading away or weakening over time.

shrinking

Focuses on a reduction in physical size or scope.

receding

Suggests a moving back or away, implying a decrease in proximity or importance.

fading

Indicates a gradual loss of color, strength, or visibility.

ebbing

Implies a flowing back or away, often used in the context of tides or emotions.

attenuating

Describes a weakening or reduction in force or intensity, commonly in technical contexts.

dwindling

Implies a gradual and continuous decrease, often to a very small amount.

FAQs

What does "diminishing" mean?

"Diminishing" means becoming smaller, less important, or weaker over time. It suggests a gradual decrease.

What can I say instead of "diminishing"?

You can use alternatives like "decreasing", "declining", or "lessening" depending on the specific context.

How to use "diminishing" in a sentence?

You can use "diminishing" to describe something that is gradually decreasing. For example, "The company is facing diminishing profits", or "There is a diminishing level of competition below the Old Firm".

What's the difference between "diminishing" and "diminished"?

"Diminishing" is the present participle and gerund form of the verb "diminish", indicating an ongoing process. "Diminished" is the past participle and indicates a completed reduction or decrease.