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Definitions

tail off

VERB
decrease
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abate curb curtail cut down decline depreciate deteriorate diminish drop drop off dwindle ease ebb fall off lessen lower reduce shrink sink slacken slash slump soften subside wane weaken
STRONG
check contract crumble decay degenerate devaluate droop evaporate fade lighten modify quell quiet restrain settle shrivel waste wither
WEAK
calm down die down dry up let up lose edge narrow down peter out run low slack off slow down wear away wear down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ascend compliment develop enlarge expand extend go up grow improve increase irritate laud lengthen praise prolong raise rise strengthen
STRONG
build liberate upset
WEAK
add
VERB
peter out
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abate die out ebb evaporate fade recede tail away taper off wane
WEAK
come to nothing die down diminish drain dry up fail give out lessen run dry run low run out slack off stop
Antonyms
STRONGEST
increase rise
WEAK
grow

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

My parents told me that was possible, but only if I made sacrifices, worked my tail off and dedicated everything I had to it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

"He'll rehab his tail off and get back to being healthy," Payton predicted.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

“He’s competing his tail off, but it just hasn’t been as easy as it has been for him prior to this little stretch.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2025

The bad news for Cherries fans, of course, is that as soon as I start backing them, you can guarantee that their results will tail off.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2025

I suppose if she caught you just right, she could get the tail off you.

From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck