decline

verb
UK: /dɪˈklaɪn/
US: /dɪˈklaɪn/

  1. To gradually become less, smaller, or weaker.

    1. His health started to decline last year.
    2. The company's profits declined sharply after the new regulations were introduced so decline is visible.

  2. To politely refuse an invitation or offer.

    1. I had to decline their generous offer.
    2. She declined the invitation to the party, saying she was busy so decline was obvious.

Synonyms

decrease reject refuse
decline noun

  1. A gradual and continuous loss of value, strength, or quality.

    1. There is a decline in the economy.
    2. We've seen a steady decline in sales since January so decline became a problem.

  2. A change to a lower level or amount.

    1. A decline in number of students enrolled this year.
    2. The decline in the stock market affected many investors, and decline was unexpected.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "decline" in English means: To gradually become less, smaller, or weaker., To politely refuse an invitation or offer..

The phonetic transcription of "decline" is /dɪˈklaɪn/ in British English and /dɪˈklaɪn/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "decline": decrease, reject, refuse.

Example usage of "decline": "His health started to decline last year.". More examples on the page.