Word
decrease
Phoneticsde·crease, stress on the first syllable
/ˈdiˌkɹis/
Definitions
01to become smaller
B1 · Intermediate
v. to become less in number, amount, or size.
v. to diminish in size, amount, or degree. Intransitive use.
“The number of people smoking has decreased significantly over the last ten years.”
“The population of the rural village decreased steadily as younger generations migrated toward urban centres in search of employment.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'in', as in 'decrease in value'.
02to make something smaller
B1 · Intermediate
v. to make something smaller or less.
v. to cause something to become smaller in size, amount, or intensity. Transitive use.
“The company decided to decrease the price of their old phones to sell them faster.”
“The government implemented new policies designed to decrease the national deficit by the end of the fiscal year.”
Usage
Takes a direct object.
03a reduction
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. the process of becoming smaller, or the amount by which something gets smaller.
n. the process of becoming smaller or the specific amount of such a reduction.
“There has been a sharp decrease in the price of petrol this month.”
“Economists noted a significant decrease in consumer spending during the first quarter, suggesting a cooling of the national economy.”
Usage
Commonly followed by 'in' plus a noun phrase.
Pitfall
There was a decrease of the temperature.
There was a decrease in temperature.
Use the preposition 'in' after the noun 'decrease' to show what is getting smaller.
04knitting
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Cooking Technical
n. a way to make a piece of knitting narrower by joining stitches together.
n. a reduction in the number of stitches, typically achieved by knitting two stitches together.
“The pattern says to work a decrease at each end of the next row.”
“To shape the sleeve correctly, the knitter must execute a double decrease every four rows until the desired width is achieved.”
Usage
Used as a countable noun in patterns.
Teaching tip
This is a highly specialised term used by hobbyists; most learners will only need the general senses.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “decrease” in context.
Verb
01. decrease likelihood
“Regular exercise and a balanced diet can significantly decrease the likelihood of heart disease.”
verb + noun
02. significantly decrease
“The new safety measures are expected to significantly decrease the number of workplace accidents.”
adv + verb
03. substantially decrease
“The company managed to substantially decrease its carbon footprint over the last five years.”
adv + verb
Real-World Examples
“He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme his organisation had seen a decrease in the number of wildfires emergency services have responded to in the last 72 hours.” “As districts lose students, their costs often don’t decrease in line with their revenues.” “Research has found that some nutrients, like folate and vitamin C, can decrease when stored.” “Can we remove or decrease spaces between atoms or molecules?” Etymology
From Middle English decresen, alteration of discresen, from Anglo-Norman, Old French descreistre (French: décroître), from Latin decrescere.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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