on the wane

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the wane" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is decreasing, diminishing, or losing power. For example: "The popularity of rock music has been on the wane in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

War on the wane?

The New York Times

Terrorism is on the wane.

The New York Times

But it's on the wane.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many are extinct or on the wane.

The New Yorker

Now, they are on the wane.

The New York Times

The Shabab may be on the wane.

The Economist

Consumerism is on the wane.

The Guardian

Stormbringer was on the wane.

The Guardian - Music

"The modern craze is on the wane.

The New York Times

That an era was on the wane.

The Guardian

Is conservatism now on the wane?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the wane" to describe trends, influences, or phenomena that are losing power or prevalence. For example, "The influence of traditional media is on the wane."

Common error

Avoid using "on the wane" for sudden or abrupt declines. The phrase suggests a gradual and somewhat natural diminishing, like the waning moon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the wane" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is decreasing or declining. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the wane" effectively conveys a state of gradual decline or diminishing power, influence, or prevalence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usability. With a neutral register, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and general writing. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's best used to describe trends or phenomena that are naturally losing strength, similar to the waning moon. While alternatives like "in decline" or "decreasing" exist, "on the wane" offers a distinct nuance of a slow and steady diminishing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waning

A direct synonym, but less commonly used than "on the wane".

on the decline

Similar to "on the wane" but slightly more direct.

in decline

More straightforward and lacks the imagery of "wane".

decreasing

Focuses on the action of diminishing rather than the state.

diminishing

Similar to 'decreasing' but often implies a gradual reduction.

fading away

Emphasizes a loss of visibility or importance.

losing ground

Suggests a loss of advantage or position.

shrinking

Implies a reduction in size or scope.

in recession

Specifically refers to economic decline.

ebbing

Uses a nautical metaphor, implying a receding tide.

FAQs

How to use "on the wane" in a sentence?

You can use "on the wane" to describe something gradually decreasing or declining in power, influence, or popularity. For example: "The popularity of that actor is "on the wane"."

What can I say instead of "on the wane"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "on the wane" in formal writing?

Yes, "on the wane" is suitable for formal writing. While it has a slightly figurative quality, it is widely understood and accepted in journalistic and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "on the wane" and "on the decline"?

While similar, "on the wane" often implies a more natural or gradual diminishing, whereas "on the decline" can suggest a sharper or more pronounced downturn.