progressive decline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "progressive decline" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means a gradual or ongoing decrease or deterioration. Example: The company has been experiencing a progressive decline in profits for the past three years.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pharyngeal pumping rates showed a rapid and progressive decline.

Chemistry Central Journal

After educational initiatives were implemented, there was progressive decline in dictation utilization.

Health Economics Review

Following the interventions outlined above, there was a progressive decline of the dictation utilization.

Health Economics Review

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an irreversible disease, characterised by a progressive decline in kidney function.

Sports Medicine - Open

Subsequently, the PET signal showed a progressive decline from days 14 to 28.

EJNMMI Research

A progressive decline in mean serum IGF-1 levels was observed from CVMI3 to CVMI6.

Progress in Orthodontics

A progressive decline in intact thicket and an increase in degraded thicket were observed.

Rangeland Ecology & Management

Biomarkers may help identify individuals at greatest risk of progressive decline.

The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

The immunodeficiency defining AIDS results from a progressive decline in the number of CD4+ T cells.

Vaccine

With advancing age there is a progressive decline in immune responses although this is not inevitable.

Ageing Research Reviews

Aging is intrinsically associated with a progressive decline in muscle strength and mass, and aerobic capacity.

Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "progressive decline", be specific about what is declining and over what period. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "progressive decline" when describing a sudden or abrupt decrease. "Progressive" indicates a gradual process, so ensure it aligns with the context you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "progressive decline" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, it describes a process or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "progressive decline" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a gradual decrease or deterioration, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's very common, especially in scientific and medical contexts, but also appears in news and business writing. To ensure clarity, specify what is declining and over which period. Avoid using it for sudden drops. Related terms include "gradual deterioration" and "steady decrease". As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase effectively conveys a continuous negative trend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradual deterioration

Focuses on the process of worsening over time, similar to a progressive decline, but it could apply to broader contexts.

steady decrease

Emphasizes a continuous reduction, interchangeable but may be used for numerical data.

incremental decay

Highlights the process of gradual disintegration or loss of vitality.

continuous erosion

Emphasizes the gradual wearing away, often used metaphorically or literally.

stepwise regression

Suggests a decline occurring in distinct stages or phases, and is mostly used in statistical context.

downward trend

Specifically indicates a trend moving towards a lower value or state.

waning influence

Implies a diminishing effect or power over time.

shrinking capacity

Focuses on the reduction in ability or potential.

gradual weakening

Highlights the loss of strength or effectiveness over time.

atrophy

Indicates a wasting away or degeneration, typically in biological contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "progressive decline" to describe a gradual decrease or deterioration in something over time. For example: "The patient experienced a "progressive decline" in cognitive function."

What are some synonyms for "progressive decline"?

Some synonyms for "progressive decline" include "gradual deterioration", "steady decrease", and "downward trend".

Is "progressive decline" a formal or informal phrase?

"Progressive decline" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter. It is commonly used in scientific, medical, and business writing.

What's the difference between "progressive decline" and "sudden decline"?

"Progressive decline" implies a gradual decrease over time, whereas "sudden decline" indicates an abrupt or immediate drop. The key difference lies in the pace of the decline.