verb / noun
decline
dih-KLYNE/dɪˈklaɪn/
a change to a lower or worse state
The plant declines as its leaves weaken and its size diminishes.
Etymology
Originally expressing bending or turning away, decline acquired a downward emphasis as de- was interpreted as “down.” Sinking to a lower level also described becoming weaker or falling into a worse condition.
In context
sectors that we have in nigeria now uh they actually decline they are not performing they are not actually you know lucrative
More examples
- Sales declined during the winter.
- A steady decline worried the manager.
- The service has been declining for months.
Forms
decline · declines · declined · declining
Similar words
- deteriorate
- Specifically describes worsening rather than every numerical decrease.
- worsen
- Worsen emphasizes reduced quality rather than a downward movement or trend.