verb C2 Proficient

wane

wayn

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Wane (verb) means to gradually become weaker, smaller, or less intense. Example: “His enthusiasm for the project began to wane after a few months.”

verb

To gradually become weaker, smaller, or less intense.

"His enthusiasm for the project began to wane after a few months."

"Support for the policy waned as the economy improved."

Of the moon, to appear to shrink night by night after the full moon.

"The moon waned steadily over the following two weeks."

noun

The phase of decline, especially as in the expression "on the wane."

"The empire's power was clearly on the wane by that century."

How to use wane

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo gradually shrink, fade, or lose strength — classically used for the moon, but also for interest, power, or influence.

Common mistake

Often paired with "wax" in the phrase "wax and wane" (grow then shrink) — don't use "wane" to mean growing.

Common pairings

wax and wane on the wane interest wanes influence waning

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: wanes
Third person singular: wanes
Past tense: waned

Test yourself on “wane” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

His enthusiasm for the project began to _____ after a few months.

Etymology

From Old English wana, meaning "lack" or "deficiency" — the same ancient root underlies "want" and "wan," all connected to the idea of something falling short or emptying out.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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decline ebb ebbing go down

Antonyms

wax

Related words

break fall increase kill growth accept rise correct

Rhymes for wane

cane lane Dane mane vane pane bane sane Jane fane Zane kane

See all rhymes for wane →

Frequently asked questions

What does “wane” mean?

The word “wane” means to gradually become weaker, smaller, or less intense. In plain terms, to gradually shrink, fade, or lose strength — classically used for the moon, but also for interest, power, or influence.

How do you pronounce “wane”?

“Wane” is pronounced wayn (/weɪn/ in IPA).

How do you use “wane” in a sentence?

Here is “wane” used in a sentence: “His enthusiasm for the project began to wane after a few months.”

What is the opposite of “wane”?

The opposite of “wane” — its antonyms — is wax.

What part of speech is “wane”?

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

Where does the word “wane” come from?

The word “wane” comes from Old English. From Old English wana, meaning "lack" or "deficiency" — the same ancient root underlies "want" and "wan," all connected to the idea of something falling short or emptying out.

How many meanings does “wane” have?

“Wane” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to gradually become weaker, smaller, or less intense.

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