English Reference
verb · noun · adjective

declining

v. · n. · adj.
US /dɪˈkɫaɪnɪŋ/ UK /dɪklˈaɪnɪŋ/ de·clin·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.becoming smaller, fewer, or less successful over time.

    v.gradually decreasing in number, quality, or importance. Often used in continuous tenses to describe a current trend.

    Simple

    The number of people living in the village has been declining for years.

    In context

    The manufacturing sector has been declining steadily since the late nineties, leading to significant economic shifts in the northern provinces.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    v.politely refusing an offer, invitation, or request.

    v.politely refusing to accept or do something. This sense is more formal than 'refusing' or 'saying no'.

    Simple

    She is declining the job offer because she wants to stay in her current city.

    In context

    By declining the invitation to the gala, the ambassador sent a subtle but clear message of disapproval regarding the new policy.

    refusingrejectingturning down
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the process of becoming weaker or less important.

    n.the process of gradual deterioration or a downward trend in strength, health, or value.

    Simple

    The declining of his health was a worry for the whole family.

    In context

    The rapid declining of the currency's value forced the central bank to intervene with emergency measures.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    adj.used to describe something that is currently losing value or power.

    adj.describing a state of gradual reduction or deterioration; typically placed before a noun.

    Simple

    The company is struggling to survive in a declining market.

    In context

    The declining birth rate has prompted the government to reconsider its long-term social security and pension strategies.

    waningebbing

Instead of declining smoothly, its total energy output flattened for about 20 days—the first time this kind of extended plateau has been seen in one of these X-ray flash supernovae.

Phys.org· 16 Aug 2026

Declining a vaccination is linked to an increased risk of developing the illness the vaccine is designed to prevent.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated