ever dwindling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ever dwindling" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to emphasize a gradual decrease in size, amount, or degree. For example, "The ever dwindling resources made it difficult for the city to make progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

For many writers the fun and the romance is gone, replaced with hard slog and homework in exchange for ever dwindling rewards and ever increasing penalties.

The Guardian - Opinion

But now an ever dwindling group of survivors and their descendants are hoping to build a large memorial above the steps of the Tube station to inform future generations of the tragedy.

Independent

"High food prices, fluctuating rainfall, a rising population and ever dwindling natural resources have created the perfect storm," said Leigh Daynes, director of communications for Plan, in the UK.

The Guardian

The Irish Internet-security company, once worth £5.1 billion ($8 billion), suffered a mini-collapse of its ever dwindling share price that took its value to as low as £120m.Webvan, an American online grocer once valued at $8.7 billion, said that it would close with the loss of 2,000 jobs.

The Economist

It sits in a very competitive region – there are large colleges nearby and many of the schools have sixth-forms – and the area is also experiencing a demographic downturn in the number of young people aged 16 to 18, meaning there are plenty of providers competing for ever dwindling numbers of potential students.

The Guardian

Instead, we now have 77 SKU's of iPad to chase ever dwindling sales.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Loveliness, like namelessness, is part of the deal, and, while nobody would be so cruel as to call her thin, I like to think that, should the modelling jobs ever dwindle, she could carve out a second career as a spring onion.

The New Yorker

It's good to have something to fall back on if those eager "boy-have-I-got-a-script-for-you!" messages on your iPhone ever dwindle.

Huffington Post

"Not that it ever dwindled, but it's what I think about when I get up in the morning, it's what I think about when I go to bed.

Huffington Post

Whitehill Bordon is one of 11 sites left on an ever-dwindling ecotown shortlist.

The Guardian

Worse still, it is getting increasingly harder for an author to survive on ever-dwindling commissions.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ever dwindling" to emphasize a continuous and concerning decrease in something important, such as resources, opportunities, or support.

Common error

Avoid using "ever dwindling" when a simple "decreasing" or "declining" would suffice. The "ever" adds emphasis to a continuous and often worrisome reduction. If the reduction isn't particularly concerning or continuous, a simpler term is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ever dwindling" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a continuous and concerning decrease or reduction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ever dwindling" is a grammatically sound and useful expression to emphasize continuous reduction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its application is primarily found in "News & Media", highlighting a concerning trend of diminishing resources or opportunities. When writing, use this phrase to convey a sense of urgency or concern about an ongoing decrease. Alternatives such as "continuously decreasing" or "steadily diminishing" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you aim to express. However, avoid overusing "ever dwindling" when a simple "decreasing" would suffice, as the "ever" adds significant emphasis. Remember that this choice of words is best used when expressing concern about something disappearing over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuously decreasing

Replaces "dwindling" with a synonym emphasizing the ongoing nature of the decrease.

steadily diminishing

Uses "diminishing" to highlight the gradual and consistent reduction.

gradually declining

Emphasizes the slow and incremental nature of the decrease.

progressively shrinking

Highlights the ongoing reduction in size or scope.

incessantly receding

Focuses on the continuous retreat or withdrawal.

constantly lessening

Uses "lessening" to emphasize the continuous reduction in amount or intensity.

ceaselessly fading

Implies a continuous loss of visibility or importance.

persistently eroding

Highlights the ongoing and damaging nature of the reduction.

relentlessly shrinking

Emphasizes the unstoppable nature of the reduction.

systematically reducing

Focuses on a planned or methodical decrease.

FAQs

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

You can use "ever dwindling" to describe resources, opportunities, or support that are continuously decreasing. For example, "The project suffered from "ever dwindling" funding."

What are some alternatives to "ever dwindling"?

Some alternatives include "continuously decreasing", "steadily diminishing", or "gradually declining". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "ever dwindling" formal or informal?

"Ever dwindling" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is most appropriate when emphasizing a concerning or problematic decrease.

What's the difference between "ever dwindling" and "decreasing"?

"Decreasing" simply indicates a reduction, while "ever dwindling" emphasizes that the reduction is continuous and potentially problematic. The addition of "ever" adds a sense of urgency or concern to the description.