Word
diminished
Phoneticsdi·min·ished, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈmɪnɪʃt/
UK/dɪmˈɪnɪʃt/
Definitions
01reduced or weakened
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. made smaller, weaker, or less in amount.
adj. reduced in size, degree, or intensity; having undergone a process of decrease.
“After the long drought, the farmers had to survive on a diminished supply of water.”
“The company faced significant challenges operating with a diminished workforce following the sudden round of budget cuts.”
02less important
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. made to seem less important or valuable than before.
adj. characterised by a loss of status, reputation, or perceived value.
“He felt like a diminished figure in the company after his project failed.”
“The former minister lived out his final years as a diminished presence in public life, rarely consulted by his successors.”
03musical interval
C2 · Proficiency Music Technical
adj. describes a musical note or chord that has been lowered by a small step.
adj. denoting an interval that is a semitone smaller than a perfect or minor interval.
“The composer used a diminished chord to create a feeling of tension in the film scene.”
“The transition relies on a series of diminished sevenths to build harmonic instability before finally resolving to the tonic.”
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“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.” Domain
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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