Word
decreasing
Phoneticsde·creas·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdiˌkɹisɪŋ/
UK/dˈiːkɹiːsɪŋ/
Definitions
01becoming smaller
B1 · Intermediate
v. the act of becoming smaller or less in amount, number, or strength.
v. the present participle or gerund form, indicating a continuous reduction in size, quantity, or degree.
“The number of people smoking in this country is decreasing every year.”
“By decreasing the temperature of the solution gradually, the researchers were able to observe the crystallization process in much greater detail.”
Usage
Often used in the continuous tense to show a trend over time.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02getting smaller
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describing something that is currently getting smaller or lower.
adj. functioning as an attributive adjective to describe a subject in a state of decline or reduction.
“The company is worried about its decreasing sales in the European market.”
“The decreasing availability of affordable housing in urban centres has forced many young professionals to relocate to the outer suburbs.”
Antonyms
03the process of reduction
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic
n. the process of making something smaller or the fact of it becoming smaller.
n. the gerundial use referring to the action or process of reduction itself.
“Decreasing the budget was the only way to save the project.”
“The rapid decreasing of the forest cover has led to significant soil erosion and a loss of local biodiversity.”
Etymology
From decrease + -ing (participial suffix).
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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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