ever diminishing

USAGE SUMMARY

"ever diminishing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is becoming continually smaller, rarer, or less in magnitude over time. For example: "The population of the endangered species was ever diminishing as the result of poachers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The size of plots is ever diminishing.

The Economist

There's worse: the ever diminishing popularity of Republicans among women and minorities.

Independent

We are threatened by ever increasing numbers and ever diminishing ideals.

The Guardian

The Starks are the underdogs With an ever diminishing clan, only five surviving Stark children remain as of season five.

Independent

There's every chance yours will bloom again next spring, and possibly the year after, but with ever diminishing returns.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As many as 6,000 a day starved to death once the federal government blockaded the ever diminishing Republic of Biafra.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

They drift for days on ever-diminishing ice floes.

The New York Times - Books

He also gives Paul an ever-diminishing mental capacity.

The New York Times - Books

Those that remain are publishing to ever-diminishing audiences.

The Guardian

This demographic's average likelihood of committing another crime is ever-diminishing.

The New Yorker

This in turn leads to a feedback effect whereby movie adaptations produce ever-diminishing returns.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ever diminishing" to describe trends or quantities that are predictably and consistently decreasing over a period of time. For a more dramatic effect, pair it with nouns that evoke scarcity or loss, such as "resources" or "hopes".

Common error

Avoid using "ever diminishing" to describe sudden or erratic changes. This phrase implies a consistent and gradual reduction, not a fluctuating or unpredictable one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ever diminishing" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that something is continuously decreasing or becoming smaller, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "ever diminishing returns" and "ever diminishing jobcentres".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ever diminishing" is a correct and commonly used adjective phrase that describes something continuously decreasing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples show its prevalence in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts. When using this phrase, consider the implications of a steady decline and avoid applying it to erratic or abrupt changes. Consider using alternatives like "steadily dwindling" or "continuously declining" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constantly decreasing

Emphasizes the continuous and regular nature of the decrease.

continuously declining

Highlights the ongoing downward trend.

steadily dwindling

Suggests a gradual but consistent reduction.

gradually shrinking

Focuses on the slow and incremental decrease in size or amount.

progressively lessening

Implies a step-by-step reduction over time.

incessantly reducing

Highlights the uninterrupted nature of the reduction.

perpetually decreasing

Suggests a never-ending decrease.

ceaselessly declining

Emphasizes the continuous and relentless nature of the decline.

unremittingly shrinking

Indicates a persistent and unwavering reduction.

persistently decreasing

Highlights the ongoing and stubborn nature of the decrease.

FAQs

How can I use "ever diminishing" in a sentence?

You can use "ever diminishing" to describe something that is continuously decreasing. For example, "The "ever diminishing returns" of the project became a concern for the team".

What are some alternatives to "ever diminishing"?

Alternatives include "steadily dwindling", "continuously declining", or "constantly decreasing", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "ever diminishing" formal or informal?

"Ever diminishing" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "ever diminishing" and "rapidly declining"?

"Ever diminishing" implies a gradual and consistent decrease, while "rapidly declining" suggests a much faster and more pronounced reduction.