steadily diminishing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steadily diminishing" 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 population of the endangered species has been steadily diminishing due to habitat loss and poaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

She was like a factory suffering from steadily diminishing productivity.

The New York Times

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

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

The New Yorker

What is clear is that GM's options are steadily diminishing and its still sizeable financial resources are being drained away at a frightening rate.

The Economist

Gordon describes a steadily diminishing rate of growth in the United States: Doubling the standard of living took five centuries between 1300 and 1800.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 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

But it has steadily diminished since then, reaching 1.8 million and 1.9 million the past two seasons.

The New York Times - Sports

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "steadily diminishing" to describe gradual declines in measurable or observable phenomena. Ensure the subject experiencing the diminishing effect is clearly identified.

Common error

Avoid using "steadily diminishing" to describe abrupt or sudden changes. The term implies a gradual process, not an immediate shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steadily diminishing" functions as a descriptive modifier, typically used to characterize a noun by indicating a gradual reduction in its quantity, quality, or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Music

12%

Opinion

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steadily diminishing" is a grammatically sound phrase that effectively conveys a gradual decrease over time. Ludwig AI indicates that this expression is common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Music and Opinion articles. While suitable for formal and informal communication, it's crucial to use it accurately to reflect the intended pace of decline. Consider alternatives like "gradually decreasing" or "progressively declining" to fine-tune the nuance of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually decreasing

Focuses on the gradual aspect of the decrease. It's less intense than "steadily diminishing".

progressively declining

Highlights the ongoing nature of the decline. It can imply a more negative trend.

continually decreasing

Emphasizes the continuous aspect of the decrease, suggesting it hasn't stopped.

consistently reducing

Stresses the uniformity and regularity of the reduction.

systematically shrinking

Implies a methodical or planned reduction, often in a controlled manner.

incessantly waning

Highlights the unceasing nature of the decrease, often used in a more poetic or dramatic context.

persistently lessening

Emphasizes the enduring nature of the decrease, suggesting it continues despite resistance.

regularly attenuating

Suggests a weakening or thinning out, often used in technical or scientific contexts.

unremittingly declining

Focuses on the relentless and continuous aspect of the decline.

ceaselessly depreciating

Highlights the continuous devaluation or loss of worth.

FAQs

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

You can use "steadily diminishing" to describe a gradual decrease over time, such as "The company's profits were "steadily diminishing" due to increased competition".

What are some alternatives to saying "steadily diminishing"?

Alternatives include "gradually decreasing", "progressively declining", or "continually decreasing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "steadily diminishing returns"?

Yes, "steadily diminishing returns" is a common phrase, often used in economics to describe a situation where each additional unit of input yields a smaller increase in output.

What's the difference between "steadily diminishing" and "rapidly diminishing"?

"Steadily diminishing" implies a slow, gradual decrease, while "rapidly diminishing" suggests a much faster decline.