decline

Entry Word:: decline
Function:: noun

Text: 1 a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body<her sad decline from a robust athlete to an old woman with arthritis>Synonymsdebilitation, decay, decaying, declension, degeneration, descent, deterioration, ebbing, enfeeblement, weakeningRelated Wordsatrophy; exhaustion; drooping, flagging, limping; relapse, setbackNear Antonymsinvigoration, strengthening; progressAntonymsimprovement, recovery, revitalization 2 a change to a lower state or level<the decline of the Roman Empire>Synonymsdecadence, declension, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, descent, deterioration, downfall, downgrade, fallRelated Wordsdecay, rotting, spoiling; breakup, crumbling, decomposition, disintegration, dissolution; abasement, debasement; depreciation, lessening; decimation, demolishment, demolition, desolation, destruction, havoc, ruin, ruination; abatement, decrease, decrement, de-escalation, deflation, diminishment, diminution, dip, drop, fall, loss, lowering, reduction, sag, shrinkageNear Antonymsadvancement, development, evolution, growth; blossoming, flourishing, flowering; renewal, restoration, revitalization; heightening; accretion, accrual, addendum, addition, augmentation, boost, enhancement, gain, increase, increment, raise, supplementAntonymsascent, rise, upswing 3 a loss of status<the engagement at the small club was an unmistakable sign of the rock bandʼs decline>— see comedown 4 the amount by which something is lessened<a huge decline in the value of the artwork after its authenticity was questioned>— see decrease

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