steep decline

USAGE SUMMARY

"steep decline" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It can be used when you are discussing a situation where something is decreasing in intensity or value quickly, such as in the following sentence: "The company experienced a steep decline in sales due to the recent recession."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a steep decline.

The Washington Post

By 1724, pirates were in steep decline.

The New Yorker

It's a steep decline in sea ice".

The Guardian

There was a particularly steep decline between 2000 and 2009.

University of California, Berkeley

A month later, he was in a steep decline.

The New York Times

Manufacturing also seemed to suffer a steep decline.

The Economist

But today the church is in steep decline.

The Economist

After 2000, however, it entered a steep decline.

The New York Times

It was the first step of a steep decline.

The New York Times - Science

Cash payments are in steep decline across Britain.

The Guardian

Today however, Ichiro is in a steep decline.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Quantify the "steep decline" whenever possible. Adding numbers or percentages can make the decline seem more tangible and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "steep decline" as a generic descriptor without specific details. Instead of simply stating that something is in "steep decline", provide context and evidence to support the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steep decline" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes a rapid and significant decrease in something. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "steep decline" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a rapid and significant decrease or downturn. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide context and quantify the decline for clarity. While alternatives like "rapid decrease" or "sharp downturn" exist, "steep decline" effectively communicates a substantial and often undesirable reduction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rapid decrease

Focuses on the speed of the reduction, omitting the implication of severity.

sharp downturn

Emphasizes the sudden and negative shift in a trend or condition.

precipitous drop

Highlights the sudden and dramatic nature of the fall, often suggesting a loss of control.

drastic reduction

Stresses the significant and impactful nature of the decrease.

sudden fall

Indicates an abrupt descent, without necessarily implying the extent of the drop.

marked decrease

Highlights that the decrease is easily noticeable or significant.

significant drop

Focuses on the importance or consequence of the decrease.

substantial reduction

Emphasizes the large quantity or degree of the decrease.

noticeable decline

Suggests that the decline is easily observed or recognized.

considerable decrease

Indicates that the decrease is of a noteworthy or appreciable amount.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "steep decline" in a sentence?

To effectively use "steep decline", specify what is declining and, if possible, quantify the decline with numbers or percentages. For example, "The company experienced a "steep decline" in profits after the new regulations were implemented."

What are some alternatives to "steep decline"?

You can use alternatives like "rapid decrease", "sharp downturn", or "precipitous drop" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as being in "steep decline"?

Yes, describing something as being in ""steep decline"" typically carries a negative connotation, as it implies a significant and undesirable reduction or downturn.

What's the difference between ""steep decline"" and "gradual decline"?

A ""steep decline"" indicates a rapid and significant decrease, while a "gradual decline" suggests a slower, more steady decrease over time.