ENGLISH
REFERENCE

reducing

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɹəˈdusɪŋ// UK //ɹɪdjˈuːsɪŋ// re·duc·ing

n. making something smaller in size, amount, or importance. You use this when you want to say there is less of something than before.

n. diminishing the size, amount, or degree of something. In a chemical context, it specifically refers to the gain of electrons by a substance during a reaction.


SIMPLE

The company is reducing its plastic waste this year.

CONTEXTUAL

By reducing the temperature of the oven, the chef ensured the delicate cake did not burn on top.

COMPLEX

The government is committed to reducing carbon emissions by fifty percent over the next decade through aggressive investment in renewable energy infrastructure.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object. In chemistry, it is the opposite of oxidizing.

Pitfall

reducing down the costsreducing the costsThe verb 'reduce' already implies a downward direction; adding 'down' is redundant in standard English.

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