adj Uncommon

descending

dih-SEHN-dihng

Descending (adj) means moving or leading downward. Example: “They followed the descending path back to the village.”

adj

Moving or leading downward.

"They followed the descending path back to the village."

Arranged from highest to lowest.

"The results are listed in descending order of score."

How to use descending

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGoing downward, or ordered from biggest/highest to smallest/lowest.

Easily confused with

ascending →

Common pairings

descending order descending scale

descendings plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Can you complete this real example?

They followed the _____ path back to the village.

From descend + -ing.

ascending

climbing upwards upward scaling ascent ascension ascending descendant

ending sending bending lending pending mending spending unending blending trending defending ascending

What does “descending” mean?

The word “descending” means moving or leading downward. In plain terms, going downward, or ordered from biggest/highest to smallest/lowest.

How do you pronounce “descending”?

“Descending” is pronounced dih-SEHN-dihng (/dɪˈsɛn.dɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “descending” in a sentence?

Here is “descending” used in a sentence: “They followed the descending path back to the village.”

What is the opposite of “descending”?

The opposite of “descending” — its antonyms — is ascending.

What part of speech is “descending”?

“Descending” is an adjective.

Is “descending” a common word?

“Descending” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “descending” have?

“Descending” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: moving or leading downward.

climbing upwards upward scaling ascent ascension ascending descendant