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

While there's no cure for RA, this implant is a game-changer for sufferers who have struggled with traditional treatments – up to 50% of people on medication stop the drugs within two years, mostly due to diminishing returns or adverse side effects. —New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2025

Regrettably, diminishing returns leave even that sparky world-building in desperate need of nutrients. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2025

However, that investment in Van Ginkel could already be hit by diminishing returns with the latest development coming out of training camp. —Trevor Squire, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025

The expert points to a pattern of diminishing returns. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for diminishing returns

• adjourns
• concerns
• discerns
• downturns
• internes
• nocturnes
• sideburns
• churns
• earns
• ferns
• kerns
• learns