steadily dwindling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steadily dwindling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decrease in quantity, size, or intensity over time. Example: "The number of participants in the event has been steadily dwindling over the past few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The Shabab's area of control has been steadily dwindling in recent months.

The New York Times

But, more recently, support for the Spanish monarchy has been steadily dwindling, according to opinion polls.

The New York Times

The polls that show support for war steadily dwindling are not likely to get better.

The New York Times

But as they continue to leave the district, business is steadily dwindling.

The New York Times

The reason the city can pursue this path is that the jail population has been steadily dwindling of late.

The New York Times

In 2004, Boston’'s preeminent homeless shelter, Pine Street Inn, faced the prospect of steadily dwindling funds for shelter services over the next few years.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

But their numbers have steadily dwindled.

The Guardian

Without immigration, the state's labor force will steadily dwindle.

The New York Times

Cassette sales, meanwhile, steadily dwindled to a mere 34,000 last year through the retail venues tracked by SoundScan.

The New York Times - Magazine

While Catholicism is still the largest religion in France, the church's ranks have steadily dwindled over the past three decades.

The Washington Post

After leaving university, I applied for a number of jobs that I never got and watched my savings steadily dwindle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "steadily dwindling" to describe a gradual and consistent reduction in something, whether it's quantity, support, or resources. It is most effective when the decrease happens over a noticeable period.

Common error

Avoid using "steadily dwindling" to describe sudden or abrupt changes. This phrase is best suited for gradual processes, not immediate drops.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steadily dwindling" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the manner in which something is decreasing. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates a gradual and consistent decline. It is commonly used to modify verbs related to reduction or loss.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "steadily dwindling" effectively describes a gradual and consistent decline, suitable for various contexts ranging from News & Media to Academic discussions. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it's a common expression, be mindful of using it only for gradual decreases and not for sudden drops. Consider alternatives like "gradually decreasing" or "constantly diminishing" to vary your language. With a neutral register, it fits well in both formal and informal writing, conveying a sense of continuous reduction over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steadily declining

Uses a more formal term, "declining", to convey the sense of reduction.

gradually decreasing

Replaces "dwindling" with a more common synonym, focusing on the gradual reduction.

constantly diminishing

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the decrease.

persistently decreasing

Focuses on the ongoing and stubborn nature of the reduction.

progressively shrinking

Highlights the shrinking aspect of the reduction, suggesting a physical decrease in size or scope.

regularly diminishing

Implies a predictable or patterned decrease.

continuously eroding

Suggests a gradual wearing away or loss.

uninterruptedly declining

Highlights that the decline is continuous and without any breaks.

slowly fading

Emphasizes the gradual disappearance or weakening of something.

incessantly lessening

Highlights that the reduction is continuous and seemingly without end.

FAQs

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

You can use "steadily dwindling" to describe a gradual reduction or decrease in something over time. For instance, "The company's profits have been "steadily dwindling" due to increased competition".

What are some alternatives to "steadily dwindling"?

Alternatives to "steadily dwindling" include "gradually decreasing", "constantly diminishing", or "steadily declining". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "steadily dwindled"?

Yes, "steadily dwindled" is the past tense form and is grammatically correct when describing something that has gradually decreased over time. For example, "The crowd "steadily dwindled" as the night wore on".

What's the difference between "steadily dwindling" and "rapidly decreasing"?

"Steadily dwindling" implies a gradual and consistent decrease, while "rapidly decreasing" suggests a much faster and more sudden decline. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the pace of the reduction.