decline

The word “decline” means to become weaker, smaller, or worse over time. In plain terms, to get worse or smaller (a decline in sales), or to politely say no to something (decline an invitation).

“Decline” is pronounced dih-KLYN (/dɪˈklaɪn/ in IPA).

Here is “decline” used in a sentence: “His health declined rapidly after the diagnosis.”

The opposite of “decline” — its antonyms — is incline.

Depending on how it is used, “decline” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “decline” comes from Latin. From Latin declinare, "to bend away, turn aside" — from de- ("down") + clinare ("to bend"), the same root found in "incline" and "recline.".

“Decline” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Decline” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to become weaker, smaller, or worse over time.

These are easily confused but unrelated. To decline means to become weaker, smaller, or worse over time — sales decline, health declines. To recline means to lean or lie back into a resting position, as in a reclining chair. One describes deterioration; the other describes a relaxed posture.

'Decline' has two senses. In the meaning here it describes something weakening or worsening over time. It can also mean to politely turn down an offer, which overlaps with 'refuse'. 'Refuse' is blunter and firmer, while 'decline' in that sense is more courteous and formal.

A once-busy town whose population and trade shrink year after year is in decline. Failing health as someone ages, a company losing customers, or a language spoken by fewer and fewer people all illustrate decline — a gradual shift toward becoming weaker, smaller, or worse over time.

The opposite of decline is to improve, grow, rise, or flourish — to become stronger, larger, or better rather than worse. Where a business in decline loses ground, a thriving one expands. Words like recover and prosper capture the reversal from deterioration back to health and growth.