receding

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "receding" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is moving back or away from something else, especially in a gradual way. For example, "The receding tide left a trail of seaweed on the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Reductions in dugong and turtle populations in the reef have been linked to seagrass meadows becoming damaged or receding in area.

The Guardian

The Ukrainian nationalist right is one instance of what is going on today from the Balkans to Scandinavia, from the US to Israel, from central Africa to India: ethnic and religious passions are exploding, and Enlightenment values receding.

The Guardian

In Minnesota, fresh off its wettest June in more than a century, there were signs that the worst flooding may be receding.

The Guardian

Even as it appeared to peak, the wave of extremism was receding.

The Guardian

"We have seen the fruits of the Obama-Clinton foreign policy of receding from the world," said the Texas senator.

The Guardian

Fears of a panic after the European elections are receding: even the most resolute troublemakers seem ready to rally around.

The Guardian

The government is pushing ahead with big cuts in electricity tariffs, promised last year even as the reservoirs were receding.

The Economist

The "ultimate aim" is receding into the distant future.Donald Tsang may be popular, but not nearly as popular as competitive politics.

The Economist

Despite the commitment of successive American presidents, and despite near-consensus worldwide on the outlines of an agreement, Arab-Israeli peace has kept receding out of reach.

The Economist

Mr Obama's goal of getting this done by the summer recess seems to be receding fast.There is no ideal way to reconcile the competing claims of the executive and legislative branches of government; America's system of checks and balances is a puzzle without a right answer.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The most he would accept was 50-60 monitorsadhe sad truth is that peace in Sierra Leone seems an ever-receding mirage.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or abstract concepts, use "receding" to convey a sense of something diminishing or becoming less prominent over time. For example, "Fears of a recession are receding" suggests a decrease in worry about an economic downturn.

Common error

Avoid using "receding" to describe something that is inherently static or unmoving. "The receding wall" is incorrect unless the wall is physically moving backward, such as during a demolition or collapse.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "receding" is as a present participle or gerund of the verb "recede". As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes an action of moving backward or diminishing. Examples include "receding floodwaters" and "receding hairline".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "receding" is a versatile term used to describe the action of moving backward, diminishing, or withdrawing. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically sound and finds frequent application across varied contexts, particularly in news and scientific reporting. The term conveys a sense of something losing prominence or intensity over time. While generally neutral, it’s important to avoid using "receding" in static scenarios to prevent misinterpretation. Alternatives such as "diminishing", "retreating", and "declining" can be used to add nuance or precision to your writing, but be mindful of their specific connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retreating

Emphasizes the act of moving back or withdrawing from a position or situation.

ebbing

Refers to the outward flow of the tide, or a gradual decline in strength or intensity.

declining

Highlights a decrease in quantity, quality, or strength, suggesting a downward trend.

shrinking

Indicates a reduction in size or extent, becoming smaller.

diminishing

Indicates a gradual decrease in size, importance, or intensity, similar to something moving backward or becoming less prominent.

subsiding

Indicates a decrease in intensity or activity, often used in relation to swelling, storms, or other disturbances.

waning

Describes a gradual reduction in power, intensity, or size, often used in the context of the moon or other cyclical phenomena.

dwindling

Suggests a gradual and continuous decrease in size or number.

fading

Implies a gradual loss of color, brightness, or strength.

lessening

Signifies a reduction in amount, degree, or intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "receding" in a sentence?

You can use "receding" to describe something moving backward or diminishing. For instance, "The "receding floodwaters" revealed the damage" or "His "receding hairline" was a sign of age".

What are some alternatives to "receding"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "diminishing", "retreating", or "declining" to convey a similar meaning to "receding".

Is it correct to say "receding back"?

Saying "receding back" is redundant. "Receding" already implies a backward movement, so using "back" is unnecessary. Simply use "receding".

What does it mean when someone says "the threat is receding"?

When someone says "the threat is receding", it means the danger or risk is diminishing and becoming less imminent. It suggests that the situation is improving or becoming less serious.