wane in popularity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wane in popularity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decrease in the popularity or appeal of something over time. Example: "Over the years, the trend of wearing bell-bottom jeans began to wane in popularity as new styles emerged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This insult has begun to wane in popularity as the more popular "cuck" is used to the same effect.

Vice

Celebrity lines are particularly tricky because the star can wane in popularity almost overnight, and a scandal can hurt clothing sales.

The New York Times

These numbers all go to show that while spending money on recorded music continues to wane in popularity, people are more willing than ever to shell out serious cash to see their favorite acts live.

Forbes

At this point Kamcord is hustling to ingratiate itself with as many game developers as possible — the idea is as one Kamcord-enabled iOS game begins to wane in popularity another one (or hopefully more) will begin to pick up steam and rise through the App Store charts.

TechCrunch

While trucks have been waning in popularity in New York -- where most food trends wane in popularity after spurts of growth -- this is hardly the case for the rest of the country.

Huffington Post

One of the main reasons Facebook "unbundled" Messenger (and has released other apps, too) is to protect itself, in case Newsfeed, which is the main reason people use Facebook, begins to wane in popularity.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Indeed, the Social Security Administration reported that Caitlyn was most popular in 1998 and waned in popularity in the 2000s.

HuffPost

BBM remains popular, even though BlackBerry devices have waned in popularity.

The Guardian - Business

As a test of manliness and a feat of sporting endurance, the practice became popular among Yorkshire miners during the 1970s but has since waned in popularity.

The Guardian - Sport

The pun waxes and wanes in popularity.

The Guardian

Medicine is a profession which waxes and wanes in popularity.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or phenomena that are losing momentum, use "wane in popularity" to convey a gradual decrease rather than a sudden drop. This phrase is especially useful when discussing long-term shifts in public opinion or consumer behavior.

Common error

Avoid substituting "wane" with words like "wain" or "wean", which have different meanings. "Wane" specifically means to decrease or diminish, and using the wrong word can alter the intended meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wane in popularity" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a gradual decline or decrease in the degree to which something is liked, supported, or followed. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

9%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wane in popularity" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe the gradual decline of interest or favor in something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively conveys a trend losing momentum. When writing, ensure that "wane" is not confused with similar-sounding words, and use this phrase to depict gradual decreases rather than sudden disappearances. Alternatives include "decline in popularity" and "diminish in popularity", which can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline in popularity

Focuses on the reduction of public preference or interest.

decrease in popularity

Emphasizes a measurable drop in how many people like something.

diminish in popularity

Suggests a gradual fading of appeal.

fade in popularity

Implies a slow disappearance from public consciousness.

lose traction

Indicates a loss of momentum or forward progress in gaining or maintaining interest.

fall from favor

Highlights the loss of approval or support.

become less fashionable

Specifically relates to trends and style losing appeal.

go out of style

Indicates something is no longer trendy or current.

become passé

Suggests something is outdated and no longer relevant.

lose its appeal

Focuses on the characteristic of being attractive or interesting is gone.

FAQs

How can I use "wane in popularity" in a sentence?

You can use "wane in popularity" to describe something whose appeal is gradually decreasing. For example, "The popularity of that particular social media platform began to wane in popularity as users migrated to newer alternatives."

What are some alternatives to "wane in popularity"?

You can use alternatives like "decline in popularity", "decrease in popularity", or "diminish in popularity" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "wax and wane in popularity"?

Yes, "wax and wane in popularity" is a correct and common expression that describes something whose popularity increases and decreases over time. For example, "Fashions wax and wane in popularity with each passing season."

What is the difference between "wane in popularity" and "disappear"?

"Wane in popularity" suggests a gradual decline, while "disappear" implies a complete vanishing. If something "wanes in popularity", it still exists but is less popular. If it "disappears", it no longer exists or is no longer relevant.