# declining

/dɪˈkɫaɪnɪŋ/ (US) · /dɪklˈaɪnɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/declining
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. becoming less

verb · CEFR B2

becoming smaller, fewer, or less successful over time.

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

- The number of people living in the village has been declining for years.
- The manufacturing sector has been declining steadily since the late nineties, leading to significant economic shifts in the northern provinces.

### 2. saying no

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

politely refusing an offer, invitation, or request.

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

- She is declining the job offer because she wants to stay in her current city.
- By declining the invitation to the gala, the ambassador sent a subtle but clear message of disapproval regarding the new policy.

### 3. a downward trend

noun · CEFR B2

the process of becoming weaker or less important.

For teachers: the process of gradual deterioration or a downward trend in strength, health, or value.

- The declining of his health was a worry for the whole family.
- The rapid declining of the currency's value forced the central bank to intervene with emergency measures.

### 4. getting smaller or weaker

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic

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

For teachers: describing a state of gradual reduction or deterioration; typically placed before a noun.

- The company is struggling to survive in a declining market.
- The declining birth rate has prompted the government to reconsider its long-term social security and pension strategies.

## Examples

- The number of local birds is declining every year.
- Economists are worried about the declining birth rate in several developed nations over the last decade.
- The historian argued that the empire's declining influence was not due to a single defeat, but rather a century of internal corruption and economic stagnation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.