English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word declines in English

What does declines mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

declines

Verb

1.

(typically of something regarded as good) become smaller, fewer, or less; decrease.

Example:
•
the birth rate continued to decline
Synonym:
decrease reduce lessen diminish wane dwindle contract shrink fall off tail off drop fall go down sink slump plummet plunge nosedive crash
Antonym:
increase
2.

politely refuse (an invitation or offer).

Example:
•
Caroline declined the coffee
Synonym:
turn down reject brush aside refuse rebuff spurn disdain repulse repudiate dismiss forgo pass up give something a miss knock back snout
Antonym:
accept

Noun

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

Example:
•
a serious decline in bird numbers
Synonym:
reduction decrease downturn downswing lowering devaluation depreciation lessening diminishing diminution slackening waning dwindling fading ebb falling off abatement drop slump plunge tumble downtick nosedive crash letup deterioration degeneration degradation shrinkage shrinking withering atrophy weakening fall failure death decay decaying decadence devolution declining crumbling collapsing atrophying failing disappearing dying moribund obsolescent on its last legs on the way out
Antonym:
increase
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Related Word:
decline