ever-dwindling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ever-dwindling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is continuously decreasing or diminishing over time. Example: "The population of the endangered species is in an ever-dwindling state, raising concerns among conservationists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

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

Should we be encouraging the resurrection of any franchise, really, with original screenplays an ever-dwindling novelty in Hollywood blockbusters?

The Guardian - Opinion

The experience made her a lifelong member of the ever-dwindling "never again" generation of postwar pro-Europeans in British politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

The exhibition on Zoroastrianism The Everlasting Flame, currently showing at London's School of Oriental and African Studies, should perhaps be renamed The Ever-Dwindling Flame.

The Guardian - Opinion

Until the church's public words match their private actions, Philip Tartaglia's words of apology will ring hollow around a cathedral that may be beautiful, but which has an ever-dwindling congregation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ever-dwindling" to describe resources, populations, or support that are decreasing over time, especially when emphasizing the continuous nature of the decline. For example, "the ever-dwindling supply of clean water".

Common error

Avoid using "ever-dwindling" to describe something that has simply decreased once or reached a static low point. The phrase implies an ongoing process of reduction. For example, do not say "the ever-dwindling price" if the price only dropped once.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ever-dwindling" functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It describes something that is continuously decreasing in size, number, or quantity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it accurately portrays ongoing diminishment and is suitable for diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ever-dwindling" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase that describes something continuously decreasing over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. When using "ever-dwindling", ensure it accurately represents a continuous decline and not a one-time reduction. Alternatives like "steadily decreasing" or "continuously diminishing" can be used for similar meanings. It's important to note that most frequently used examples are in news media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ever-shrinking

A more concise way to express the same idea, using a different verb.

steadily decreasing

Focuses on the gradual and consistent nature of the decline.

continuously diminishing

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the reduction.

gradually shrinking

Highlights the slow and progressive decrease in size or number.

progressively declining

Focuses on the step-by-step nature of the decrease.

constantly reducing

Underscores the persistent action of reduction.

rapidly diminishing

Emphasizes the speed of the decline.

in constant decline

Uses a noun phrase to convey the continuous reduction.

on a downward spiral

Implies a rapid and accelerating decrease.

experiencing continuous erosion

Suggests a gradual wearing away or loss.

FAQs

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

You can use "ever-dwindling" to describe something that is continuously decreasing or diminishing over time. For example, "The company is struggling with an ever-dwindling market share."

What are some alternatives to "ever-dwindling"?

You can use alternatives like "steadily decreasing", "continuously diminishing", or "gradually shrinking" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "ever-dwindling" resources?

Yes, it is correct. "Ever-dwindling resources" is a common and accepted phrase used to describe resources that are continuously decreasing.

What is the difference between "ever-dwindling" and "decreasing"?

"Decreasing" describes a general reduction, while "ever-dwindling" emphasizes the continuous and ongoing nature of the decrease. "Ever-dwindling" implies a persistent decline over time.