diminution

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'diminution' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It means a reduction or decrease in size or amount. Example: The recent economic crisis led to a diminution of job opportunities, causing many people to struggle financially.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Arts organisations are, for the most part, putting a brave face on things, working out how to adjust, not wanting to admit there will be any diminution in what they can do; artists like Alexander Kelly will find ways to make art because that is their life's calling.

The Guardian

In the quarter century that I have been making shows for the BBC, its management has swelled in direct proportion to the diminution of programme budgets.

The Guardian - Opinion

She was not arguing that the EU's remit should be trimmed.Britain could nonetheless secure a much lesser diminution, perhaps to gain freedom from some aspect of EU labour or social law.

The Economist

This is leading to the wholesale diminution around the world of libraries that care for bound books and make them available for readers, an extraordinarily short-sighted policy.In fundamental scholarship (which is what most learning and secondary research is based on), the library is the scholar's laboratory.

The Economist

Now that the speechless blockbuster is over, Ms Abramovic seems to find particular joy in talking, with no diminution of her powerful presence".Ideas can come anytime, anywhere, while I am making this gazpacho or going to the bathroom," she says as she chops tomatoes from her garden.

The Economist

They also feel that the power Russia has recovered has to be demonstrated to be real and preferably demonstrated to the diminution of America's.

The Economist

One measure of his stature on the world stage will be the sense of diminution of both those gatherings without him.

The Economist

As a result the subsequent announcement that the British army is soon to remove or close several security installations including a lookout post in the republican heartland of South Armagh and contentious surveillance posts on top of two blocks of flats in Belfast drew only a muted response from unionists who would normally greet any diminution of the army's presence with outrage.

The Economist

It is true the weakest must go first: the worst factory must be closed, the poorest mines must be laid by, and the worst ship must be laid up first; and then follow the next in degree; but the moment a little diminution of supply lessens the loss, a portion of the idle start afresh into competition.

The Economist

Second, councils fear a further diminution of their powers.

The Economist

This literal diminution of his stature can reduce his metaphorical stature, too.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "diminution", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced or lessened. For example, specify "diminution of resources" or "diminution of power" to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "diminution" when a complete removal or elimination is intended. "Diminution" implies a reduction, not a disappearance. Use words like "elimination" or "removal" if something is completely taken away.

Linguistic Context

The noun "diminution" functions as a quantifier, indicating a reduction or decrease in something. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts such as "diminution of power" and "diminution of programme budgets".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "diminution" signifies a reduction or decrease. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage as a noun, commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using "diminution", ensure to specify what is being reduced to provide clarity, and avoid using it when a complete removal is intended. Consider alternatives such as "reduction", "decrease", or "decline" depending on the context. "Diminution" is best suited for formal and professional settings given its frequent use in authoritative sources like The Economist and The Guardian. Understanding its nuances helps in precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduction

Focuses on the act of making something smaller or less.

decrease

Highlights a gradual decline in quantity, size, or intensity.

decline

Suggests a downward trend or deterioration.

lessening

Emphasizes the process of becoming smaller or weaker.

contraction

Implies a shrinking or reduction in size or scope.

curtailment

Refers to the act of cutting short or reducing something.

abatement

Highlights a decrease in intensity or severity, often in the context of something negative.

erosion

Suggests a gradual wearing away or decline, often in abstract terms.

weakening

Highlights the process of something becoming less strong or effective.

attenuation

Focuses on the reduction in force, effect, or value.

FAQs

How to use "diminution" in a sentence?

You can use "diminution" to describe a reduction or decrease in something, such as "the "diminution of power"", "the "diminution of resources"", or "the "diminution of quality"".

What can I say instead of "diminution"?

You can use alternatives like "reduction", "decrease", or "decline" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "diminution of" or "diminution in"?

"Diminution of" is generally used to indicate a reduction in something tangible or abstract, such as power or resources. "Diminution in" is less common but can be used to describe a reduction within a specific area or aspect.

What's the difference between "diminution" and "diminishment"?

While both words refer to a decrease or reduction, "diminution" is more commonly used and generally refers to a measurable reduction. "Diminishment" can also imply a reduction in status or importance.