steadily diminished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steadily diminished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decrease in quantity, quality, or intensity over time. Example: "The noise from the construction site steadily diminished as the workers finished their tasks for the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Ever since, their standing in society has steadily diminished.

The New York Times

Still, its construction program proceeded apace even as state funds steadily diminished.

The New York Times

Climate change has steadily diminished the availability of Chinook salmon, the whales' main food source.

The Guardian

At the palace, the crowds steadily diminished, and there were no more clashes.

The New Yorker

But over the last few seasons, his role had steadily diminished.

The New York Times

He made the sales, from June 13 to Oct. 14, 2001, as the value of Enron stock steadily diminished.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

It was a world of powerlessness, pretension, passivity — cramped and steadily diminishing, like Al Qaeda itself.

The New Yorker

The temporary comforts of purchased one-night stands had, inevitably, a steadily diminishing allure.

The New York Times - Magazine

But precedent suggests that both groups will steadily diminish in size.

The New Yorker

Still, there is a strong view among many longtime technology executives that the PC's relevance will steadily diminish.

The New York Times

Still, there is a strong view among many longtime tech executives that the PC's relevance will steadily diminish.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "steadily diminished" to convey a gradual and consistent reduction in something over time, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the decrease. This phrase works well in both formal and informal contexts to describe a variety of phenomena, from abstract concepts like influence to concrete things like resources.

Common error

Avoid substituting "steadily diminished" with phrases that imply a sudden or abrupt decrease. "Suddenly dropped" or "instantly vanished" convey a different meaning and are not interchangeable with "steadily diminished".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steadily diminished" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "steadily" acts as an adverb modifying the verb "diminished". This indicates a continuous and gradual reduction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in English, and the examples provided by Ludwig show its application in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "steadily diminished" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe a gradual decline or reduction over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples across various domains, including News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, its frequency is notable in journalistic and academic writing. Alternatives like "gradually decreased" or "progressively declined" offer similar meanings, but "steadily diminished" effectively conveys a continuous and consistent reduction. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of a gradual, ongoing decrease and avoid confusion with terms implying sudden changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually decreased

This alternative highlights the incremental nature of the decrease, focusing on the step-by-step reduction.

progressively declined

This alternative emphasizes the ongoing deterioration or weakening over time.

continually lessened

This alternative stresses the uninterrupted nature of the reduction, highlighting its constant occurrence.

systematically reduced

This alternative implies a deliberate and organized effort to decrease something over time.

incessantly waned

This alternative emphasizes the unceasing decline, often associated with a loss of power or influence.

regularly attenuated

This alternative is more formal and suggests a consistent weakening or reduction in intensity.

persistently abated

This alternative indicates a continuous reduction, often used in the context of something negative like a storm or pain.

unremittingly subsided

This alternative highlights the relentless nature of the decrease, emphasizing that it doesn't stop.

incrementally shrunk

This alternative focuses on the small, gradual reductions in size or amount.

slowly eroded

This alternative suggests a gradual wearing away or destruction over time, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

How can I use "steadily diminished" in a sentence?

You can use "steadily diminished" to describe a gradual decline in something. For example, "The company's profits "steadily diminished" due to increased competition".

What can I say instead of "steadily diminished"?

You can use alternatives like "gradually decreased", "progressively declined", or "continually lessened" depending on the context.

Is "steadily diminished" formal or informal?

"Steadily diminished" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What is the difference between "steadily diminished" and "slightly diminished"?

"Steadily diminished" implies a gradual and continuous decrease over time, whereas "slightly diminished" suggests a small or insignificant reduction. The former highlights the ongoing process, while the latter focuses on the extent of the reduction.