# waning

/ˈweɪnɪŋ/ (US) · /wˈeɪnɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/waning
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. becoming weaker

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

getting smaller, weaker, or less powerful over time.

For teachers: characterised by a gradual decrease in intensity, power, or influence.

- The king struggled to maintain control as his waning influence led to more protests.
- The administration faced significant challenges in passing the new legislation due to their waning popularity among suburban voters.

### 2. the moon

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

describes the moon when the bright part you see is getting smaller.

For teachers: pertaining to the period of the lunar cycle between a full moon and a new moon, during which the visible illuminated area decreases.

- The night was very dark because there was only a thin, waning moon in the sky.
- Astronomers noted that the waning crescent would provide ideal conditions for observing distant nebulae without excessive light interference.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun.

### 3. the process of decreasing

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Formal

the process of something becoming less intense or smaller.

For teachers: the act or process of diminishing in size, strength, or importance.

- We are witnessing the waning of an era as traditional shops close down.
- The historian argued that the waning of imperial power was a result of internal economic instability rather than external military pressure.

## Examples

- The politician struggled to regain his waning popularity.
- As the sun set, the waning light made it difficult for the hikers to find the trail back to camp.
- The empire's waning influence over its distant colonies eventually led to a series of peaceful transitions toward independent governance.

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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.