Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

on the decline

idiom

Definition of on the decline

: becoming worse in condition or less in size, amount, number, etc. : declining
  • His health is on the decline.
  • Sales are on the decline.

Word by Word Definitions

decline play

  1. : to turn from a straight course : stray

  2. : to slope downward : descend

  3. : to bend down : droop

  1. : the process of declining

  2. : a gradual physical or mental sinking and wasting away

  3. : a change to a lower state or level

See the full definition of decline

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up on the decline? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games