steadily shrinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steadily shrinking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is gradually decreasing in size, amount, or intensity over time. Example: "The population of the town has been steadily shrinking over the past decade due to economic decline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The government's budget deficit is steadily shrinking.

The Economist

At J. P. Morgan and other banks, revenues have been steadily shrinking.

The New York Times - Magazine

All over the Continent, automakers are slowing production to match steadily shrinking demand.

The New York Times

Here in Allentown the steadily shrinking funds mean that there will be hard choices ahead.

The New York Times

Today, with the number of Rosenberg defenders steadily shrinking, let's stipulate: Julius was a Soviet spy.

The New York Times - Books

The minimum wage for British youth has been slowly but steadily shrinking.

The Guardian - Opinion

Michael's margins, once in the thousands, back when the birthrate was a lot higher, have been steadily shrinking for decades.

The New York Times

What made this dramatic explosion in circuit complexity possible was the steadily shrinking size of transistors over the decades.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Because of rising temperatures, the number of days that the road is passable has been steadily shrinking).

The New Yorker

Never mind that AOL's business is steadily shrinking or that its rivals are bigger, healthier and have deeper pockets.

The New York Times - Tech

There are similar holdout brands in almost every product category, but Amazon says that number is steadily shrinking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "steadily shrinking" to describe a gradual decrease in size, number, or importance over a period. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is undergoing this reduction.

Common error

Avoid using "steadily shrinking" for sudden or abrupt decreases. This phrase implies a process unfolding over time, not an instantaneous change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steadily shrinking" functions as a modifier, specifically an adverb-participle construction, describing how something is decreasing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable. The adverb "steadily" modifies the participle "shrinking", indicating a gradual and consistent reduction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steadily shrinking" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a gradual and continuous decrease. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is correct to use and appears "Very common" in various reliable sources, particularly in "News & Media". When writing with this phrase, ensure that the context supports the idea of a gradual decrease over time, rather than a sudden or abrupt change. Alternatives such as "gradually diminishing" or "continuously decreasing" can be used to add slight variations in meaning. Remember that while alternatives are available, this phrase remains a common and effective way to communicate the idea of something getting progressively smaller.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually diminishing

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the decrease.

continuously decreasing

Highlights the uninterrupted nature of the reduction.

progressively lessening

Suggests a decrease that occurs in stages or increments.

slowly declining

Focuses on the pace of the reduction.

systematically reducing

Implies a deliberate and organized process of reduction.

incessantly waning

Emphasizes the continuous and weakening aspect of the reduction.

persistently attenuating

Suggests a weakening or thinning out that continues despite obstacles.

regularly diminishing

Highlights the consistent nature of the decrease.

unremittingly decreasing

Stresses the lack of interruption in the process of diminishing.

ever-dwindling

Uses a more evocative term for decreasing, suggesting a sense of loss.

FAQs

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

You can use "steadily shrinking" to describe something that is gradually decreasing in size, amount, or importance over time. For example, "The company's market share is "steadily shrinking" due to increased competition."

What are some alternatives to "steadily shrinking"?

Alternatives to "steadily shrinking" include "gradually diminishing", "continuously decreasing", or "slowly declining", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "steadily shrinking" and "rapidly shrinking"?

Yes, "steadily shrinking" implies a gradual decrease over time, while "rapidly shrinking" suggests a much faster rate of reduction. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the pace of change.

Which is more appropriate: "the steadily shrinking number" or "the steady shrinking number"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "the steadily shrinking number" is more common and emphasizes the ongoing process of reduction. "The steady shrinking number" is less frequently used.