significant decline

USAGE SUMMARY

"significant decline" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something has declined in a large amount, meaning that the change is significant. For example, "There has been a significant decline in profits due to the recent recession."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All are experiencing significant decline.

The New York Times

It suggested a significant decline.

The Guardian

Awful Significant decline in vote shares on 2011.

The Guardian

"It is a significant decline in performance," Mr. Adamson said.

The New York Times

Awful Significant decline in vote share, suffer constituency seat losses.

The Guardian

A significant decline in executive pay is very unlikely.

The New York Times

An import price shock generates a significant decline in productivity.

Harvard University

A significant decline in the Company's stock price followed.

Harvard University

Those who showed significant decline were also tested for dementia.

Harvard University

And we've seen a significant decline because of those measures.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was a bigger and more significant decline in fatalities.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant decline", quantify the decline with specific data or metrics to strengthen your statement. For instance, instead of saying "There was a significant decline in sales", specify "There was a significant decline in sales, with a 20% decrease in the last quarter."

Common error

Avoid using "significant decline" as a vague assertion without providing context or supporting evidence. This weakens the impact and credibility of your statement. Always provide data or explain the implications of the decline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant decline" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a notable reduction or decrease in something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Science

29%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant decline" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a noticeable reduction. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various domains, including news, academia, and science. To use it effectively, quantify the decline with specific data and avoid vague assertions. Alternatives such as "marked decrease" or "substantial reduction" can be used depending on the specific context you want to emphasize. Remember to provide supporting evidence to strengthen your statements and enhance credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marked decrease

Emphasizes the noticeable nature of the decrease; less about magnitude.

substantial reduction

Highlights the amount reduced; more quantitative in connotation.

considerable drop

Implies a sudden and potentially impactful fall.

notable downturn

Suggests a negative trend or shift in performance.

steep fall

Emphasizes the rapid rate of decline.

sharp decrease

Highlights the abruptness of the reduction.

pronounced reduction

Highlights the clear visibility of the fall.

major setback

Focuses on the adverse impact of the decline.

serious deterioration

Emphasizes the degradation in quality or condition.

appreciable depreciation

Suitable for contexts involving value or assets, indicating a noticeable loss.

FAQs

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

You can use "significant decline" to describe a notable reduction or decrease in something. For example, "The company reported a "significant decline" in profits this year."

What are some alternatives to "significant decline"?

Alternatives to "significant decline" include "marked decrease", "substantial reduction", or "considerable drop", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "significant decline" in formal writing?

Yes, "significant decline" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in reports, analyses, and academic papers. Its clarity and precision make it suitable for professional contexts.

What's the difference between "significant decline" and "slight decline"?

"Significant decline" indicates a large, noticeable reduction, while "slight decline" suggests a small, less impactful decrease. The choice depends on the magnitude of the change you're describing.