rapid decline

USAGE SUMMARY

"rapid decline" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a sudden or quick decrease in something. For example, "The popularity of the boy band saw a rapid decline after their final album was released."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Biodiversity on Earth continues its rapid decline".

The New Yorker

"It's a very rapid decline," she says.

The Guardian

A.I.G.'s big borrowings underscore the company's bewilderingly rapid decline.

The New York Times

Christianity is in rapid decline throughout the Middle East.

The Guardian - Opinion

But then the creek began a rapid decline.

The New York Times

This is the beginning of a long, increasingly rapid decline.

The New Yorker

Those cutbacks reflect a rapid decline in business confidence.

The New York Times

But even here, recent years have seen a rapid decline.

The Guardian

The revolution triggered a rapid decline in Romanian rugby.

The Guardian - Sport

Brat behaviour, undignified squabbles over money, followed by rapid decline.

The Guardian - Film

The reasons behind the starling's rapid decline are sadly familiar.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rapid decline", ensure the context clearly indicates what is declining and the factors contributing to the speed of the decline. For instance, specify if it's a "rapid decline" in sales, population, or health.

Common error

Avoid assuming a single cause for a "rapid decline" without sufficient evidence. Such declines often result from multiple interacting factors, and oversimplification can lead to inaccurate conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rapid decline" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase used to describe a quick decrease.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rapid decline" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a quick or sudden decrease in something. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a versatile phrase found across various contexts, including news reports, scientific studies, and general discussions. While alternatives like "steep decrease" or "sudden downturn" exist, "rapid decline" maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial; ensure the context makes clear what is declining and potential contributing factors to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steep decrease

Emphasizes the severity or angle of the decline.

sudden downturn

Highlights the unexpected and abrupt nature of the decline.

precipitous drop

Implies a very sharp and fast decline, almost like a fall.

swift deterioration

Focuses on the worsening condition rather than just the numerical decrease.

quick regression

Suggests a return to a previous, less desirable state with speed.

fast degradation

Emphasizes a loss of quality or integrity that happens quickly.

prompt diminution

Highlights the immediate reduction in size, importance or extent.

speedy decay

Suggests a rapid process of rotting or decomposition.

accelerated weakening

Implies a process of becoming feeble or less effective at an increasing rate.

abrupt comedown

Suggests a sudden fall from a high position or state.

FAQs

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

You can use "rapid decline" to describe a quick decrease in something. For example, "The company experienced a "rapid decline" in profits after the new regulations were introduced."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "rapid decline"?

Alternatives include "steep decrease", "sudden downturn", or "precipitous drop", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "rapid decline" or "quickly decline"?

"Rapid decline" is generally preferred as it functions as a noun phrase, emphasizing the speed of the decline itself. "Quickly decline" is a verb phrase that focuses on the action of declining.

What factors might contribute to a "rapid decline" in a species population?

Habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and disease outbreaks can all contribute to a "rapid decline" in a species population.