# vanishing

/ˈvænɪʃɪŋ/ (US) · /vˈænɪʃɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vanishing
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

disappearing or becoming impossible to see. You use this to describe something that is slowly going away until it is gone.

For teachers: becoming invisible or ceasing to exist; decreasing rapidly in number or presence. Often used as a participial adjective to describe species, cultures, or physical traces.

## Examples

- The ship became a vanishing speck on the horizon.
- Conservationists are working hard to protect the vanishing habitats of local wildlife before they are lost forever.
- The documentary explores the vanishing traditions of nomadic tribes whose way of life is being eroded by rapid urbanisation and climate change.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun; often pairs with 'point' to describe perspective in art.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.