decline
dih-KLYN
Decline (verb) means to become weaker, smaller, or worse over time. Example: “His health declined rapidly after the diagnosis.”
verb
1
To become weaker, smaller, or worse over time.
"His health declined rapidly after the diagnosis."
"Sales have declined steadily over the past year."
"The village population has declined as young people move to the city."
2
To politely refuse an offer or invitation.
"She declined the invitation to the gala."
"He politely declined the offer of a lift and chose to walk home."
"I'm afraid I must decline your kind invitation to dinner this Friday."
noun
1
A gradual decrease or worsening.
"The company's decline began after new competitors entered the market."
"Doctors noticed a slow decline in the old man's memory."
"The decline in bee numbers worries many farmers and gardeners."
How to use decline
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo get worse or smaller (a decline in sales), or to politely say no to something (decline an invitation).
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "recline" (to lean back) — both share the "-cline" root meaning "to bend," but they mean very different things.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
decline an offer
in decline
decline steadily
economic decline
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Word forms
- Plural
- declines
- Third person singular
- declines
- Past tense
- declined
- Archaic forms
- declinest, declinedst, declineth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His health _____ rapidly after the diagnosis.
Etymology
From Latin declinare, "to bend away, turn aside" — from de- ("down") + clinare ("to bend"), the same root found in "incline" and "recline."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for decline
See all rhymes for decline →Frequently asked questions
What does “decline” mean?
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).
How do you pronounce “decline”?
“Decline” is pronounced dih-KLYN (/dɪˈklaɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “decline” in a sentence?
Here is “decline” used in a sentence: “His health declined rapidly after the diagnosis.”
What is the opposite of “decline”?
The opposite of “decline” — its antonyms — is incline.
What part of speech is “decline”?
Depending on how it is used, “decline” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “decline” come from?
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.".
Is “decline” a common word?
“Decline” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “decline” have?
“Decline” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to become weaker, smaller, or worse over time.
What is the difference between decline and recline?
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.
What is the difference between decline and refuse?
'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.
What is an example of decline?
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.
What is the opposite of decline?
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.
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