wane

USAGE SUMMARY

'wane' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as either a verb, noun or adjective. Verb: His interest in the hobby seemed to wane over time. Noun: There was a wane in enthusiasm for the project. Adjective: Her waning desire to continue had become apparent.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: Real Madrid 7-3 Getafe | La Liga match report There are certainly enough options to make a reasonable argument that United's more glaring issue this summer will not theoretically be replacing De Gea but planning for the other end of the pitch and how to compensate for the fact that all three of their main strikers are, to varying degrees, on the wane.

The Guardian - Sport

In America, male body shapes will wax and wane – over a period of half a decade, they might go from the "jock" to something skinny and then creep back to the current vogue, the "swimmer's" body – that is, not such a meathead that you could beat anybody up, but not so lanky that you look pubescent.

The Guardian - Film

Thankfully, the "we know best" culture is continuing to wane, but it's still not unusual for adults to be afraid of listening to children's views.

The Guardian

And don't believe that the power of the press is on the wane.

The Guardian

It warns, however, that public support may wane if cities don't get credit for such investments.

The Guardian

Everyone loves a list – but does the appeal wane when you know what's going to be on it?

The Guardian

Eoin Morgan was already on the wane in 2012 but still had that air of unclouded, short-form brio.

The Guardian - Sport

So much for the suggestion that the appeal of Test matches is on the wane.

The Guardian - Sport

As the active sources of winter fatigue wane in severity (eg chapped lips, static shock, the seasonal grief experienced by natural hair), new, less menacing threats enter the realm of mild irritation.

The Guardian - Opinion

The decline of industry also affected the influence of Protestant trade unionists within communities: skilled and semi-skilled workers saw their ability to act as civilising influences in their areas wane as the vigilantes formed into paramilitaries in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The Guardian - Opinion

But not so fast, according to Microsoft: Like much of America, the Xbox Live audience deemed Romney the winner of the first debate, and Microsoft's data is now showing that Obama's once steady lead amongst the Xbox Live community has started to wane.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wane" to describe a gradual decline in something abstract, such as power, influence, or interest. It's less commonly used for physical objects.

Common error

Avoid using "wane" to describe something that disappears suddenly or abruptly. "Wane" implies a gradual process of decline, not an immediate vanishing act.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "wane" is as an intransitive verb, describing a process of diminishing or declining. Ludwig's examples show it used to depict the reduction of power, intensity, or influence over time. It can also function as a noun, denoting the act of declining.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "wane" is a versatile term, primarily functioning as a verb to describe a gradual decline or decrease. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media and Formal & Business publications. While the word is often related to the phases of the moon, it is commonly used to describe declines in abstract concepts like power, influence, and interest. When using "wane", remember to focus on gradual diminishment rather than sudden disappearance. Some alternatives include "diminish", "decline", and "decrease".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminish

Emphasizes a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

decline

Focuses on a downward trend or a loss of quality or power.

decrease

Highlights a reduction in quantity or amount.

fade

Suggests a gradual loss of color, brightness, or strength.

ebb

Implies a receding or flowing back, often used in the context of tides or emotions.

recede

Indicates a moving back or away from a previous position or level.

dwindle

Highlights a gradual and continuous reduction to a very small amount.

lessen

Focuses on making something smaller or weaker.

subside

Suggests a settling down or a decrease in intensity, often used for emotions or swelling.

peter out

Implies a gradual decrease until something comes to an end.

FAQs

How can I use "wane" in a sentence?

You can use "wane" to describe a gradual decline in something, such as "The moon's light began to "wane" as the night progressed" or "His enthusiasm for the project started to "wane".".

What words can I use instead of "wane"?

Alternatives to "wane" include "diminish", "decline", "decrease", or "fade", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "waning interest"?

Yes, "waning interest" is a correct and commonly used phrase. It describes a gradual decrease in interest or enthusiasm.

What is the difference between "wane" and "wax"?

"Wane" means to decrease or decline, while "wax" means to increase or grow. They are antonyms and often used in the context of the moon's phases.