dwindling reputation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dwindling reputation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone's or something's reputation is declining or losing value over time. Example: "The company's dwindling reputation in the industry has led to a significant drop in sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

And its dilapidated downtown has a deserved, though dwindling, reputation as a prowling ground for violent criminals and prostitutes.

The New York Times

During his stint as head of the UK, Easterbrook proved he was up for a fight, confronting the chain's dwindling reputation head-on.

The Guardian - Business

By Andrea DenHoed August 7, 2012 Reviving the dwindling reputation of Thomas Browne, a Renaissance author who inspired Melville, Dickinson, and Virginia Woolf.

The New Yorker

In the end, the company's dwindling reputation was restored only by Michael Blakemore's revival of O'Neill's Long Day's Journey Into Night in which Olivier gave a magisterial performance as James Tyrone.

The Guardian

Several teachers said that nearly half the high school's 31-member faculty plus its brand new principal planned to resign at year's end over the case, while parents fretted that the school's dwindling reputation might result in a decline in property values and disappearance of scholarship opportunities.

The New York Times

Sony is blaming a Taiwanese company for the shoddy software but this is definitely another blow to their dwindling reputation.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He flagged up the dwindling reputations of those in power – be it in central government, local government or business.

The Guardian

MICHAUD: He also sees the manifesto as a way of staking a claim to history, of compensating for his dwindling poetic reputation.

The New Yorker

He noticed his reputation dwindling, and the film sort of poses the question: is he victim or villain?

Vice

Nigel Farage has come to the aid of Ukip's ever-dwindling reputation for tolerance by condemning homophobic comments made by the party's former deputy leader this week.

Independent

When the magazine closed in 2004, its reputation dwindled, circulation had fallen to an unprofitable 25,000 copies a month.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dwindling reputation", ensure the context clearly indicates a gradual decline over time, rather than a sudden or abrupt change. The phrase suggests a slow, persistent erosion of positive perception.

Common error

Avoid using "dwindling reputation" to describe an instantaneous reputational hit. This phrase is best suited for situations where the decline occurs progressively. For a sudden drop, consider phrases like "tarnished reputation" or "damaged reputation" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dwindling reputation" functions as a noun phrase, where "dwindling" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "reputation". As demonstrated by Ludwig, it describes the state of a reputation that is gradually diminishing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dwindling reputation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a gradual decline in someone's or something's standing. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and provides several real-world examples. It's essential to use it when a gradual decrease is intended, differentiating it from sudden falls in reputation. Related phrases include "declining reputation" and "fading reputation". The phrase is suitable for neutral contexts, as evidenced by its frequent use in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declining reputation

Direct synonym; replaces "dwindling" with "declining", indicating a downward trend.

fading reputation

Emphasizes the gradual disappearance of a good reputation.

weakening reputation

Suggests a loss of strength or impact of the reputation.

eroding reputation

Implies a gradual destruction or wearing away of the reputation.

shrinking reputation

Focuses on the reduction in size or scope of the reputation.

diminishing reputation

Highlights a reduction in the perceived value or importance.

tarnished reputation

Suggests the reputation has been stained or damaged.

damaged reputation

Directly states that the reputation has suffered harm.

plummeting reputation

Emphasizes a rapid and significant fall in reputation.

waning reputation

Indicates a gradual decrease in power or influence of the reputation.

FAQs

How can I use "dwindling reputation" in a sentence?

You can use "dwindling reputation" to describe a gradual decline in someone's or something's standing. For example, "The company's dwindling reputation led to a drop in sales".

What's a good alternative to "dwindling reputation"?

Alternatives include "declining reputation", "fading reputation", or "weakening reputation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "dwindling reputation" or "plummeting reputation"?

The choice depends on the context. "Dwindling reputation" suggests a gradual decline, while "plummeting reputation" implies a rapid and significant fall.

What contributes to a "dwindling reputation"?

Factors can include consistent poor performance, ethical lapses, failure to adapt to changing circumstances, or negative publicity. Over time, these factors can cause a dwindling reputation.