in decline

USAGE SUMMARY

"in decline" is a perfectly acceptable phrase that is often used in writing.
It is typically used to describe something that is gradually diminishing, like a particular trend or population size. For example, "The zoo's attendance has been in decline for the past two years due to increased competition from nearby attractions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Calcutta was in decline.

The New Yorker

"We're in decline".

The New York Times

Fertility is in decline.

The Economist

Ballet is in decline.

The New York Times - Arts

He was in decline.

The New Yorker

It is in decline.

The Economist

Similarly, middlemen are in decline.

The Economist

Why is war in decline?

The New York Times

Europe is not in decline.

The Economist

Is chick lit in decline?

The New Yorker

I saw us in decline.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in decline" when referring to a gradual decrease or deterioration in a quantifiable or qualitative aspect, such as "population", "influence", or "quality".

Common error

Avoid using "in decline" when referring to sudden or abrupt changes; instead, use terms like "collapsed" or "plummeted" to better reflect the speed and intensity of the change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in decline" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or clause to indicate a state of diminishing or deteriorating condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a standard and accepted usage. Examples show it describing various entities, from "fertility" to "Broadway jobs".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in decline" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a state of gradual decrease or deterioration. Ludwig AI affirms its acceptability and the provided examples showcase its use across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, as well as encyclopedic entries. While alternatives like "decreasing", "on the wane", and "diminishing" offer similar meanings, "in decline" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various registers, from professional to informal. To avoid misuse, remember that it is a perfect choice for gradual changes but not sudden shifts. The phrase's high frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist underscore its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the decline

Slightly more emphatic and arguably redundant, yet maintains the same core meaning as the original phrase.

decreasing

Focuses on the action of reducing, omitting the 'in' preposition and noun structure.

on the wane

Replaces the directness of "decline" with a more figurative term indicating diminishing power or influence.

diminishing

Emphasizes the reduction in size, importance, or quality without specifying a location.

waning

Similar to "on the wane", but more concise and less idiomatic.

deteriorating

Shifts the focus to the process of worsening, highlighting the degradation aspect.

slipping

Suggests a gradual and often unnoticed decline in standards or performance.

fading

Suggests a loss of visibility or importance, often gradual and subtle.

plummeting

Indicates a sharp and rapid decline, implying a significant drop.

shrinking

Specifically denotes a reduction in size or extent.

FAQs

How can I use "in decline" in a sentence?

You can use "in decline" to describe something that is gradually decreasing or deteriorating, for example: "The birth rate is "in decline"."

What are some alternatives to saying "in decline"?

Alternatives to "in decline" include "decreasing", "on the wane", or "diminishing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "on the decline" instead of "in decline"?

Both "in decline" and "on the decline" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What's the difference between "in decline" and "in recession"?

"In decline" generally refers to a gradual decrease or deterioration in any aspect, while "in recession" specifically describes a period of economic downturn.