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Definitions

decline

[dih-klahyn] / dɪˈklaɪn /
NOUN
lessening
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deterioration downturn drop failure fall recession slump weakening
STRONG
abatement backsliding comedown cropper decay decrepitude degeneracy degeneration descent devolution diminution dissolution dive downfall downgrade dwindling ebb ebbing enfeeblement failing flop lapse pratfall relapse senility skids wane waning worsening
WEAK
fall-off falling-off on the skids
Antonyms
STRONGEST
increase rise success
STRONG
accomplishment achievement ascent development growth improvement progress strength strengthening upgrade
WEAK
betterment
NOUN
downward change in value, position
Synonyms
STRONGEST
decrease dip downturn drop drop-off loss slide slump
STRONG
declivity depression descent downswing hill incline lapse lowering pitch sag slip slope
WEAK
downslide downtrend fall off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
increase rise success
STRONG
perfection
WEAK
ascent betterment improvement
VERB
say no
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deny dismiss refuse reject
STRONG
abjure abstain avoid balk bypass demur desist disapprove forbear forgo gainsay nix refrain renounce reprobate repudiate shy spurn
WEAK
beg to be excused don't buy not accept not hear of not think of pass on send regrets turn down turn thumbs down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accept allow approve grant sanction
STRONG
agree continue go along indulge want
WEAK
say yes
VERB
lessen, become less
Synonyms
STRONGEST
decrease depreciate deteriorate diminish drop dwindle fail fall lower recede return sag shrink sink slide wane weaken worsen
STRONG
abate backslide cheapen decay degenerate disintegrate droop ebb fade flag languish lapse pine relapse retrograde revert rot settle subside
WEAK
disimprove fall off go downhill go to pot go to the dogs hit the skids lose value
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advance ascend develop enlarge expand extend grow improve increase raise reach rise strengthen win
STRONG
build enhance flourish progress
WEAK
go up
VERB
descend
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dip drop fall go down lower sag sink
STRONG
droop set settle slant slope
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ascend go up increase raise rise
STRONG
even level
WEAK
improve

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.

The eurozone’s composite Purchasing Managers Index fell to 48.6 from 50.7, reaching its lowest level in 17 months, indicating a decline in activity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

The stock dropped 6.4% in premarket trading, putting it on track to suffer the biggest one-day postearnings decline since it fell 7.6% on Feb. 3, 2022.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

"The conflict has pushed the economy into decline in April, while driving inflation sharply higher."

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

Sales of its mobile infrastructure equipment fell 3% on year, where networks growth in Europe, Middle East and Africa and Latin America was offset by a decline in North America.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

By the late spring of 1845, now age seventy-eight, Jackson was in serious decline.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

Vocabulary lists containing decline

The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 2

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 1–6

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The ACT Reading Test: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 2

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!