decline

US /dɪˈklaɪn/
UK /dɪˈklaɪn/
"decline" picture
1.

to politely refuse an invitation or offer

:
•
She had to decline the invitation to the party due to a prior engagement.
•
He chose to decline the job offer, preferring to stay at his current company.
:
refuserejectturn down
:
acceptagree
2.

to become smaller, fewer, or less; decrease

:
•
The company's profits began to decline after the economic downturn.
•
His health has been declining rapidly over the past few months.
:
decreasediminishfalldropdeteriorate
:
increaserisegrowimprove
1.

a gradual and continuous loss of strength, numbers, or quality

:
•
The city has seen a steady decline in its population over the last decade.
•
The decline of the Roman Empire is a well-studied historical event.
:
decreasereductionfalldropdeterioration
:
increasegrowthriseimprovement