dwindling trend

USAGE SUMMARY

'dwindling trend' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a decrease in activity or interest that is gradually decreasing over time. For example: "Sales of the product have been following a dwindling trend in recent months."

✓ Grammatically correct

Lingua Sinica

The Guardian - Opinion

The New York Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Among the three dialects, it maintained the highest usage of the older variants [Z] ([dz] in particular) and [G], showing the strongest resistance to the general dwindling trend predicted by Ang's 洪惟仁 (2003, 2012).

Lingua Sinica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But some Tories detect a trend of dwindling public tolerance for pain.

The Guardian - Opinion

They noted that the longer-term trend of dwindling claims appeared to be intact and said the figures might be revised next week.

The New York Times

Against the trend of dwindling resources in this critical area of need, Buttle UK is proud to have formed a partnership with the City of London Corporation's charity, City Bridge Trust, to provide individual grants to children and families across Greater London over the next three years to support the emotional and material needs of the child or young person affected by domestic violence.

The Guardian

The exceptions to the trend are dwindling.

BBC

This is an important step toward reversing the unwelcome trend of dwindling student numbers in the natural and also marine sciences.

Science Magazine

The big story also gives networks an opportunity to counter two dismal trends in television news: dwindling ratings and aging viewers.

The New York Times

Falling state aid and dwindling local property taxes have only reinforced the trend.

The Economist

After several years of dwindling aid to such countries, 2015 saw the trend bucked with an increase of 4% on the previous year's bilateral funding, bringing the total to $25bn.

The Guardian

The most popular explanation for this trend among economists is that labor quality is dwindling – that there is a "skills mismatch" between job seekers and employers.

TechCrunch

Their numbers have been dwindling through a series of mergers and some analysts fear that with the trend toward more electronic trading, specialists will gradually lose their value.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dwindling trend", ensure the context clearly identifies what is dwindling. Be specific about the subject experiencing the decline for clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "dwindling trend" without providing specific data or context. Saying something is a "dwindling trend" without evidence weakens your argument. Back up your claim with numbers or examples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dwindling trend" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a trend that is decreasing or diminishing over time. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, illustrating its adjectival role in modifying "trend."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dwindling trend" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a pattern of decline. Ludwig's analysis of real-world examples indicates it's most frequently found in news and media, followed by science and formal business contexts. The phrase serves to highlight negative progressions, prompting attention to the decreasing situation. While not exceedingly common, its precise meaning and applicability make it a valuable term. Consider specifying the subject of the trend and backing up any assertions with specific data to avoid overgeneralizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreasing tendency

Focuses on the inclination to decrease rather than the ongoing process.

declining pattern

Emphasizes the recognizable pattern of decline.

lessening tendency

Focuses on the reduction in the strength or frequency of a trend.

waning inclination

Highlights the weakening nature of the inclination.

shrinking habit

Implies a behavior that is diminishing over time.

receding propensity

Suggests a gradual withdrawal of a particular tendency.

decreasing drift

Highlights the gradual shift towards a decline.

diminishing custom

Refers to a tradition or practice that is fading away.

ebbing fashion

Indicates a style or trend that is losing popularity.

fading inclination

Implies a gradual loss of interest or desire.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "dwindling trend" in a sentence?

To effectively use "dwindling trend", specify what is declining and provide context. For instance, "The "dwindling trend in sales" is concerning" provides a clear subject and context.

What phrases can I use instead of "dwindling trend"?

Alternatives to "dwindling trend" include "decreasing tendency", "declining pattern", or "waning inclination", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a trend is dwindling"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct to say "a trend is dwindling". The phrase "dwindling trend" itself acts as a noun phrase, while "a trend is dwindling" uses "dwindling" as a verb describing the trend.

What's the difference between "dwindling trend" and "downward trend"?

"Dwindling trend" emphasizes a gradual reduction in quantity or importance, while "downward trend" simply indicates a movement towards a lower state. "Dwindling" suggests something is diminishing, whereas "downward" is a directional description.