dwindling reserves

USAGE SUMMARY

"dwindling reserves" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation where a finite resource is being depleted over time. For example, "Climate change is causing the world's dwindling reserves of water to become even more scarce."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Then energy prices are expected to increase drastically due to dwindling reserves.

Acta Astronautica

The general view of hydrocarbons such as oil and gas is one of dwindling reserves.

The Economist

Dwindling reserves and ever-deeper mines are making gold harder to extract.

The Economist

The dwindling reserves prompted Standard & Poor's to lower Belarus's long-term foreign currency rating last month.

The New York Times

The danger is that dwindling reserves will trigger hoarding and speculation, driving prices even higher.

The New York Times

Refunds are typically paid out of municipal reserves, and dwindling reserves, in turn, can prompt credit downgrades.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Revenues have been trending downward for years, as has racetrack attendance, though because of a dwindling reserve fund the fairgrounds have yet to cost taxpayers a dime.

The New York Times

Scarcely focused to begin with, "The Doorman" now follows Trevor's increasing desperation and flails about in its own dwindling reserve of ideas.

The New York Times

With a lingering recession, anemic tax collections and dwindling reserve funds limiting options, Gov. George E. Pataki will propose a budget plan Wednesday that includes billions of dollars in spending cuts to core services.

The New York Times

The dwindling oil reserves are made worse by the White House decision to replenish the strategic petroleum reserve, further reducing the amount of gasoline available.

The Guardian - Business

Hydrogen is considered as a potentially excellent substitute for transport fuels due to the concern over dwindling oil reserves and global warming.

Science and Technology of Advanced Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "dwindling reserves", be specific about the type of reserve (e.g., oil, water, currency) and the potential consequences of their depletion to provide context.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the immediate effects of "dwindling reserves" without providing data or realistic scenarios. It's more effective to present a balanced view of potential outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dwindling reserves" functions as a noun phrase, where "dwindling" is an adjective modifying the noun "reserves". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dwindling reserves" effectively describes the reduction of available resources. It is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse fields, particularly in News & Media and Science. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is valid and commonly employed to highlight concerns about resource depletion. When using "dwindling reserves", specifying the type of resource helps to clarify the context and impact. Alternatives like "declining resources" or "diminishing assets" can be used depending on the specific nuances you want to convey. Always aim for a balanced portrayal, avoiding exaggeration without proper evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depleting resources

Focuses on the action of using up resources.

decreasing stockpiles

Focuses on the reduction of accumulated resources.

declining resource base

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of resources that are diminishing.

falling resource availability

Highlights the declining accessibility of resources.

diminishing assets

Highlights the economic value and its reduction over time.

shrinking resource pool

Implies a collective source of resources that is getting smaller.

vanishing supplies

Suggests resources are disappearing completely.

receding assets

Suggests a slow, steady decrease in the availability of resources.

plummeting stock levels

Describes a rapid and significant drop in the amount of available resources.

waning stores

Implies a gradual reduction in stored resources.

FAQs

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

You can use "dwindling reserves" to describe the reduction of resources over time. For example, "The country's "dwindling reserves of oil" have led to increased energy prices".

What phrases are similar to "dwindling reserves"?

Similar phrases include "declining resources", "diminishing assets", or "depleting supplies". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "dwindling reserve" instead of "dwindling reserves"?

While grammatically possible to say "dwindling reserve", it's less common and usually refers to a single instance or specific type of reserve. "Dwindling reserves" is generally used to discuss resources in a broader, more general sense.

What are the implications of "dwindling reserves" of natural resources?

The implications of "dwindling reserves" can include increased prices, economic instability, and the need for alternative solutions such as "renewable energy sources" or "resource conservation".