dwindled

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "dwindled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a gradual decrease in size, amount, or strength over time. Example: "As the winter months progressed, the number of visitors to the park dwindled significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Invoking Martin Luther's "Here I stand" may have been his own idea but dwindled without "I can do no other," which in the circumstances might have brought disbelieving giggles.

The Guardian - Opinion

One church in particular, Macrory Memorial, has lain derelict for nearly 40 years on the New Lodge/Tiger's Bay interface of north Belfast since subscribers to the church's weekly offerings dwindled to zero in 1973.

The Guardian - Opinion

While more than 100,000 people turned out for rallies at the protests' peak this autumn, the numbers of demonstrators have sharply dwindled and public support for the movement has waned.

The Guardian

Since then the numbers of demonstrators picketing the clinic has dwindled.

The Guardian

These weren't emotions I would have predicted, given who he was, and the impact he had had on my life, but, this was late in the 1970s, and by then his audience had dwindled and his charisma had begun to fade.

The Guardian

When Margaret Thatcher won her first mandate to "deal with the unions" in 1979, 29.5m working days were lost to strikes, a figure that dwindled to 235,000 in 1997 when Tony Blair moved into No 10.

The Guardian - Opinion

Germany's anti-Islam Pegida movement took nearly 10% of the vote in mayoral elections in its eastern stronghold of Dresden on Sunday, a better-than-expected result for a group whose weekly demonstrations have steadily dwindled.

The Guardian

Its parliamentary strength may have dwindled to a level between its showing in the 1992 election (20 seats) and 1997 (46).

The Guardian - Opinion

Their numbers and range dwindled so much last century due to human development that there are fears they could be the first ape species to go extinct because of people.

The Guardian

As the days passed, the number of tourists dwindled.

The Guardian - Travel

If Vladimir Putin was to decide his propaganda value has dwindled, he might even find himself in a few years traded for a prominent Russian held in the US.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dwindled" to describe a gradual decrease, particularly when emphasizing a progressive reduction over time. For example, "The crowd dwindled as the night wore on" highlights the gradual departure of people.

Common error

Avoid using "dwindled" to describe sudden or abrupt decreases. "Crashed", "plummeted", or "collapsed" are better suited for scenarios involving rapid reduction.

Linguistic Context

Dwindled functions primarily as a verb, specifically the past tense of 'dwindle'. It describes a process of gradual reduction in size, number, strength, or importance. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it portrays a state of progressive decline.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dwindled" functions as a verb indicating a gradual decrease. It is grammatically correct and very common, predominantly appearing in news and media sources. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use in describing progressive reductions, like diminishing crowds or shrinking resources. To prevent misuse, it should not be used for sudden decreases. Alternatives include "diminished" and "decreased", offering similar nuances. Therefore, understand the gradual nature of reduction to use "dwindled" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminished

Replaces "dwindled" with a focus on reducing in size or importance.

decreased

Indicates a general reduction in amount or degree, similar to "dwindled" but more neutral.

lessened

Implies a reduction in intensity or severity.

receded

Suggests a gradual decline or withdrawal, often used for abstract concepts.

shrunk

Emphasizes a reduction in physical size or scope.

tapered off

Describes a gradual reduction, often used for activities or trends.

ebbed

Implies a flowing back or decline, similar to the tide.

attenuated

Suggests a weakening or thinning, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

faded

Indicates a loss of color, strength, or importance.

petered out

Describes a gradual disappearance or coming to an end.

FAQs

How can I use "dwindled" in a sentence?

You can use "dwindled" to describe a gradual decrease in something. For instance, "The number of attendees at the meetings "dwindled" over time".

What can I say instead of "dwindled"?

You can use alternatives like "diminished", "decreased", or "lessened" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "dwindled down"?

While "dwindle down" is sometimes used, ""dwindled"" alone is often sufficient and more concise. The addition of "down" doesn't significantly alter the meaning but can be redundant.

What's the difference between "dwindled" and "depleted"?

"Dwindled" suggests a gradual decrease, while "depleted" implies a significant reduction to near exhaustion. For example, resources can be depleted, while attendance at an event dwindles.