dwindle

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "dwindle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a gradual decrease in size, amount, or strength. Example: "As the sun set, the light began to dwindle, casting long shadows across the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not many regular guys last long after behaving erratically, running a bond fund whose performance had been flagging, and seeing assets dwindle month after month after month.

The Guardian - Money

Who will pay the taxes to fund our welfare systems if our labour forces - now peaking in Europe and about to start to shrink - dwindle away?

The Guardian - Opinion

As the most profitable reserves dwindle, drillers are opening up smaller fields in more difficult locations, such as the deep, wild waters found west of the Shetland Islands.Yet roughnecks say the British government's policies have made an ever-trickier job harder.

The Economist

Companies that get into trouble providing what they have promised have an incentive to hide problems, as G4S did, because they fear forfeiting payment if they admit they are struggling.Still, few believe outsourcing will dwindle.

The Economist

Unfortunately, the longer that the credit crunch continues, the more those reserves will start to dwindle.

The Economist

An institution with a 1,100 year-old history, which survived centuries of Turkish domination and decades of communism, the church has recently seen its prestige and influence among the Bulgarian society dwindle.

The Economist

Thailand's economy, according to our seers' average, will dwindle by 0.4% in 1999, after shrinking by an estimated 7.8% in 1998.

The Economist

God also decreed that Mr Roberts should be persecuted for this effort, as well as for saying that he once had to interrupt a sermon to raise a child from the dead.Over the years therefore the harvest appeared to dwindle in dollar terms, and his debts grew.

The Economist

HypoVereinsbank, Germany's second-biggest bank, has watched its profits dwindle and expects to make loan-loss provisions of euro3.3 billion for this year.

The Economist

But natural attrition should cause the workforce to dwindle over the next few years from 2,500 to a planned total of 2,000.As it happens, this is an ideal time to reorganise CERN.

The Economist

The write-off of large numbers of planes (its fleet shrunk from 275 in 2007 to 215 last year) has slashed depreciation costs; excluding this benefit, the operating-profit margin would dwindle to nearer 13%, officials say.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dwindle" to describe a gradual decrease, especially when emphasizing the slow and steady nature of the reduction. For example, use it to describe resources, influence, or populations.

Common error

Avoid using "dwindle" when describing a sudden or abrupt decrease. "Dwindle" implies a slow and progressive reduction, so a more appropriate term would be "plummet", "collapse", or "vanish" for immediate changes.

Linguistic Context

The verb "dwindle" functions primarily to describe a gradual reduction or decrease in size, amount, strength, or importance. Ludwig AI confirms that it is typically used to indicate a slow and steady decline, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "dwindle" is a versatile term for describing a gradual reduction in size, amount, or intensity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is frequently used in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts to convey a steady decline. To avoid common errors, remember that "dwindle" implies a gradual process, making it unsuitable for sudden decreases. Consider alternatives like "decrease gradually" or "diminish steadily" for nuanced meaning. With its common usage and clear grammatical function, "dwindle" is a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease gradually

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the reduction.

decline gradually

Similar to decrease gradually, but can also imply deterioration.

diminish steadily

Highlights the consistent and continuous lessening.

wane progressively

Implies a decline in power, influence, or extent over time.

ebb away

Suggests a flowing out or receding, often used for abstract concepts.

peter out

Suggests a slow and disappointing end after initial vigor.

fade out

Indicates a gradual disappearance or loss of clarity.

taper off

Suggests a reduction to a point or end.

shrink down

Focuses on a reduction in physical size.

lessen incrementally

Highlights the small, step-by-step reduction.

FAQs

How can I use "dwindle" in a sentence?

You can use "dwindle" to describe a gradual decrease in something, such as "As resources "dwindle", the community must find new solutions."

What's a good alternative to "dwindle"?

Alternatives to "dwindle" include "decrease gradually", "diminish steadily", or "wane progressively", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "dwindle down" or is "dwindle" sufficient?

Both "dwindle" and "dwindle down" are acceptable, but "dwindle" is often preferred for its simplicity and directness. The addition of "down" doesn't significantly change the meaning, but can sometimes add emphasis.

What's the difference between "dwindle" and "shrink"?

"Dwindle" typically refers to a gradual reduction in amount, size, or strength over time, whereas "shrink" often implies a physical reduction in size or a contraction. "Dwindle" often carries a connotation of something slowly disappearing or becoming less significant.