English Reference
adjective · noun

diminishing

adj. · n.
US /dɪˈmɪnɪʃɪŋ/ UK /dɪmˈɪnɪʃɪŋ/ di·min·ish·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.getting smaller in size, amount, or strength.

    adj.describing a state of progressive reduction or decrease in magnitude, intensity, or importance.

    Simple

    The hikers watched the sunset with diminishing hope of finding the trail before dark.

    In context

    The company faced diminishing returns on its advertising spend, suggesting that the market had reached a point of total saturation.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the process of something becoming smaller.

    n.the act or process of becoming less or smaller; a diminishment.

    Simple

    The diminishing of his influence within the party happened very quickly.

    In context

    The steady diminishing of natural resources in the region has led to significant economic instability for the local population.

Experts have said the possibility of finding missing people alive in the tunnels is diminishing.

The Guardian· 5 Sept 2026

As rescue efforts drag on, experts fear the chances of finding survivors in tunnels are diminishing as oxygen levels fall.

The Guardian· 31 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated