declinist

noun

de·​clin·​ist di-ˈklī-nist How to pronounce declinist (audio)
dē-
: one who theorizes that a nation or society is in or is headed for a state of economic, political, or social decline

Examples of declinist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And contrary to increasingly popular declinist narratives, the U.S. will be at the forefront of mankind’s second sustained push into the final frontier. Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 21 Nov. 2020 While the United States has defied many declinist predictions in the postwar era, there is good reason for recent anxiety. Ali Wyne, The New Republic, 21 June 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'declinist.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1988, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of declinist was in 1988

Dictionary Entries Near declinist

Cite this Entry

“Declinist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/declinist. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

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