dwindling

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dwindling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a gradual decrease in numbers, amount, or size. For example, "The once-thriving population of wildlife in the area has been steadily dwindling in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The supply of fish here is dwindling and their numbers are increasing – there's not enough food for them all.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Better still for the Treasury, he said little that is likely to generate headlines at a time when the cuts face growing scrutiny and dwindling popularity.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the dwindling numbers of us still retaining faith in Westminster, this is a depressing state of affairs – as most politicians know in their hearts.

The Guardian - Opinion

But if a referendum does not end this tradition, then dwindling turtle dove numbers might.

The Guardian

A debate has raged over whether the electoral commission is sufficiently well-prepared, with the incumbent party, which has greater access to Nigeria's dwindling petrodollars, pushing for a postponement.

The Guardian

But traditional class-based, anti-Tory resentment is a dwindling force in British politics, at least insofar as it leads automatically to support for Labour.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's rarely boring off the pitch for Villa but their loyal fans – dwindling in number when considering the Villa Park attendance dropped to its lowest in 15 years in the recent draw with Southampton – will attest that it's quite the opposite on it.

The Guardian - Sport

The African elephants' range in equatorial Africa has been steadily dwindling, from 3 million square miles in 1979 to just over 1 million square miles in 2007, the World Wildlife Fund has reported.

The Guardian

Back in Yola, after bags of beans were distributed to 4,000 people camped in the church's red-dust compound, ordinary families sheltering dozens of refugees came to try to replenish their dwindling food sources.

The Guardian

But the only threat of conflict today concerns the dwindling stocks of cream teas at the Wavecrest Cafe.

The Guardian - Travel

But the danger of such cuts, as the NUJ rightly points out, is the likelihood of alienating still further the papers' dwindling audiences.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dwindling" to describe a gradual and continuous reduction, especially when emphasizing the negative consequences of this reduction. For example, "dwindling resources" highlights the concerning decrease in available resources.

Common error

Avoid using "dwindling" to describe a sudden or abrupt decrease. "Dwindling" implies a gradual process; for sudden decreases, use terms like "plummeting" or "collapsing" instead.

Linguistic Context

The word "dwindling" functions primarily as an adjective and a present participle modifying nouns to describe something that is gradually decreasing. It emphasizes a process of reduction, as seen in Ludwig's examples, such as "dwindling popularity" and "dwindling numbers".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "dwindling" is a versatile term used to describe a gradual reduction or decline, as highlighted by Ludwig. It functions mainly as an adjective and present participle, conveying a sense of something gradually diminishing over time. Its usage is common in news, formal business contexts, and scientific writing where precise and descriptive language is valued. While it's grammatically correct, remember that "dwindling" implies a gradual process, so avoid using it for sudden changes. Instead, opt for related terms like "decreasing", "diminishing", or "shrinking" to add nuance and clarity to your writing. It is important to follow the most suitable definition for your sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreasing

This term focuses on the act of becoming smaller or fewer and offers a direct synonym.

declining

This term is often used to describe a reduction in quality, health, or economic activity.

diminishing

Similar to "dwindling", this word emphasizes a gradual reduction, often in importance or size.

shrinking

This word implies a reduction in physical size or extent.

lessening

This term is suitable for describing a decrease in intensity, amount, or degree.

ebbing

This word evokes the imagery of something receding or flowing away, often used for tides or emotions.

fading

Implies a gradual loss of color, strength, or prominence.

petering out

This idiom describes something gradually coming to an end or disappearing.

tapering off

Similar to petering out, this idiom suggests a gradual reduction in quantity or intensity.

attenuating

This word suggests a weakening or reduction in force or intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "dwindling" in a sentence?

You can use "dwindling" to describe a gradual reduction in something, like "The town's population is "dwindling" due to lack of job opportunities" or "We are facing "dwindling" natural resources".

What are some synonyms for "dwindling"?

Alternatives to "dwindling" include "decreasing", "diminishing", "shrinking", and "declining". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "dwindling up" or "dwindling down"?

"Dwindling" already implies a reduction, so adding "up" or "down" is redundant. Just use "dwindling" by itself. For example, "The support is "dwindling"" is sufficient.

What's the difference between "dwindling" and "depleting"?

"Dwindling" suggests a gradual reduction, while "depleting" implies using up or exhausting a resource. You might say "dwindling resources" if the amount is gradually decreasing, but "depleting the reserves" if you're using them up quickly.