on a declining trajectory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a declining trajectory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation that is decreasing in intensity, effectiveness, or condition over time. For example, "The markets have been on a declining trajectory since the pandemic's onset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

That is why the president has laid out a plan to shrink the deficit he inherited by half and has repeatedly emphasised the need to reduce the long-term deficit and put the debt-to-GDP ratio on a declining trajectory.

The Economist

There is an argument that a UK that had learned the lessons of the recent boom-to-bust would wish its household debts to be on a declining trajectory for some years yet.

BBC

Significantly, in 2008, the U.S. National Intelligence Council admitted for the first time that America's global power was indeed on a declining trajectory.

Huffington Post

Yet that budget has been shrinking for thirty years, on a declining trajectory started by Reagan and continued by every president since then -- including Obama in his first term!

Huffington Post

The observed inverse association between changes in activity and changes in fat mass through ages 12-14 years suggests that children who are on a rising trajectory of activity during these years are on a declining trajectory of fat mass.

British Medical Journal

She wants it on a "declining trajectory," she said, but quickly noted the importance of her health-care and energy plans.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Russian experts, however, predict a declining trajectory in the medium term.

The Guardian

"It's going to be a declining trajectory".

Vice

"It's going to be a declining trajectory". Many international observers agree.

Vice

A. Film demand peaked in early 1999 and has been on a slowing growth and declining trajectory ever since.

The New York Times

All must hope that they are not stuck on a decline and fall trajectory.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a declining trajectory" when you want to emphasize the direction and path of a decrease over time, not just the fact of the decrease itself. For instance, it's more fitting when describing a company's sales figures over several quarters than a one-time drop.

Common error

Avoid using "on a declining trajectory" to describe a sudden, one-time event. The phrase implies a process unfolding over time. For a single event, simply stating 'there was a decline' is more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a declining trajectory" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates the direction or path of something that is decreasing or deteriorating over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for describing a situation that is diminishing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a declining trajectory" is a correct and usable expression for describing a downward trend over time, confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in news and science contexts and is suitable for both formal and informal settings. When using this phrase, it is important to emphasize the process of decline rather than a one-time event. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, it is well-recognized and adds a nuanced meaning when describing something that is not only decreasing but also following a continuous path of deterioration. Be careful to avoid misinterpreting decline to one time events, and choose other alternatives like "trending downward" or "in a downward spiral" if the semantic meaning of the phrase fits better with your context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trending downward

Highlights the direction of the change over time.

on a downward slope

Implies a gradual and steady decrease.

facing a decline

Highlights the confrontation with a downward trend.

in a downward spiral

This suggests a more rapid and uncontrolled decline.

deteriorating steadily

Stresses the consistent and negative progression.

in a state of decline

Emphasizes the current condition of deterioration.

experiencing a downturn

Focuses on a negative shift or decline in economic or business terms.

on the wane

Suggests a gradual fading or weakening.

losing ground

Implies a loss of advantage or position.

in a receding phase

Describes a stage of withdrawal or reduction.

FAQs

How can I use "on a declining trajectory" in a sentence?

You can use "on a declining trajectory" to describe something that is gradually decreasing or deteriorating over time. For example, "The company's profits have been "trending downward", placing them on a declining trajectory".

What are some alternatives to "on a declining trajectory"?

Alternatives to "on a declining trajectory" include "in a downward spiral", "on a downward slope", or "trending downward". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "on a declining trajectory" in formal writing?

Yes, "on a declining trajectory" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing trends or patterns in business, economics, or science. However, it's equally appropriate in less formal contexts.

What's the difference between "on a declining trajectory" and "in a state of decline"?

"On a declining trajectory" emphasizes the process of decline over time, while "in a state of decline" focuses on the current condition of deterioration. The first suggests a continuing downward path; the second, a present diminished state.