adj
waning
WAY-nihng
Waning (adj) means becoming gradually weaker, smaller, or less influential. Example: “The senator spent his waning years out of the political spotlight.”
adj
1
Becoming gradually weaker, smaller, or less influential.
"The senator spent his waning years out of the political spotlight."
2
Of the moon, shrinking in visible size after a full moon.
"A waning crescent hung low over the hills."
How to use waning
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFading or shrinking, whether talking about the moon, health, or influence.
Common pairings
waning moon
waning influence
waning years
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Word forms
- Plural
- wanings
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The senator spent his _____ years out of the political spotlight.
Etymology
From Middle English waninge, an alteration of the earlier waniand and waniende, from Old English waniende, from Proto-Germanic *wanōndz, the present participle of *wanōną ("to wane"); equivalent to wane plus -ing.
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for waning
See all rhymes for waning →Frequently asked questions
What does “waning” mean?
The word “waning” means becoming gradually weaker, smaller, or less influential. In plain terms, fading or shrinking, whether talking about the moon, health, or influence.
How do you pronounce “waning”?
“Waning” is pronounced WAY-nihng (/ˈweɪ.nɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “waning” in a sentence?
Here is “waning” used in a sentence: “The senator spent his waning years out of the political spotlight.”
What part of speech is “waning”?
“Waning” is an adjective.
How many meanings does “waning” have?
“Waning” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: becoming gradually weaker, smaller, or less influential.
