What does "decreasing" mean?

1. (getting smaller) used to describe something that is currently getting smaller or lower. 2. (the process of reduction) the act or process of something getting smaller.

How do you use "decreasing"?

Usually placed before a noun to describe a trend or pattern. Used as the subject or object of a sentence to discuss the concept of reduction.

decreasing

adj. · n.

US //ˈdiˌkɹisɪŋ// UK //dˈiːkɹiːsɪŋ// de·creas·ing

1 getting smaller (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

used to describe something that is currently getting smaller or lower.

describing a quantity or value that is in a state of reduction.

Example

There is a decreasing demand for traditional newspapers as more people read news online.

Example

The study observed a decreasing trend in local biodiversity, which researchers attributed to rapid urban expansion and habitat fragmentation.

Usage

Usually placed before a noun to describe a trend or pattern.

Teacher's tip

Common in academic and technical writing to describe data trends.
- diminishing
- declining
- increasing
- rising
2 the process of reduction (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

the act or process of something getting smaller.

the gerund form used as a noun to represent the process of reduction.

Example

The decreasing of prices helped the shop sell all its old stock.

Example

The steady decreasing of the water level in the reservoir has become a major concern for the local agricultural board.

Usage

Used as the subject or object of a sentence to discuss the concept of reduction.

Teacher's tip

This noun use is less common than the simple noun 'decrease'; it emphasizes the ongoing process.
- reduction
- decline
- increase
- growth

Origin

From decrease + -ing (participial suffix).