diminishing returns
plural noun
1
: a rate of yield that beyond a certain point fails to increase in proportion to additional investments of labor or capital
2
: benefits that beyond a certain point fail to increase in proportion to extended efforts
Examples of diminishing returns in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Benefits follow the law of diminishing returns.
—
Sankar Sen, The Conversation, 11 June 2026
The shortfall has forced farmers in Brazil to cut back on fertilizer purchases, leaving many with diminishing returns or even losses, Reuters reported; India’s fertilizer subsidy spending will be double the government’s budget forecast, according to The Indian Express.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 10 June 2026
Both series peaked early and both sputtered on to diminishing returns before giving up the ghost (sorry) — at least until the IP was dusted off again, to arguable gain in the case of Scream.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026
The law of diminishing returns does not punish effort.
—Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for diminishing returns
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Sankar Sen, The Conversation, 11 June 2026
The shortfall has forced farmers in Brazil to cut back on fertilizer purchases, leaving many with diminishing returns or even losses, Reuters reported; India’s fertilizer subsidy spending will be double the government’s budget forecast, according to The Indian Express.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 10 June 2026
Both series peaked early and both sputtered on to diminishing returns before giving up the ghost (sorry) — at least until the IP was dusted off again, to arguable gain in the case of Scream.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026
The law of diminishing returns does not punish effort.
—Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for diminishing returns
Cite this Entry
“Diminishing returns.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diminishing%20returns. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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