diminished
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
made smaller, weaker, or less in amount.
reduced in size, degree, or intensity; having undergone a process of decrease.
Simple“After the long drought, the farmers had to survive on a diminished supply of water.”
In context“The company faced significant challenges operating with a diminished workforce following the sudden round of budget cuts.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
made to seem less important or valuable than before.
characterised by a loss of status, reputation, or perceived value.
Simple“He felt like a diminished figure in the company after his project failed.”
In context“The former minister lived out his final years as a diminished presence in public life, rarely consulted by his successors.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
describes a musical note or chord that has been lowered by a small step.
denoting an interval that is a semitone smaller than a perfect or minor interval.
Simple“The composer used a diminished chord to create a feeling of tension in the film scene.”
In context“The transition relies on a series of diminished sevenths to build harmonic instability before finally resolving to the tonic.”
Antonyms
“Health facilities were toppled, electricity networks cut, and after two days aftershocks still rattled the makeshift shelters while inside, medical supplies rapidly diminished.”
“Errors damaged trust and diminished influence whether or not the robot was expressive.”