declining

Declining is the present participle of the verb decline and, when used as an adjective, describes something that is decreasing, deteriorating, or moving downward. The verb decline has several senses: to refuse politely, to become smaller in amount or quality, or to slope downward. When used as a noun, decline refers to a downward trend or a lowering in numbers or quality; the word “declining” can modify a noun (a declining population) or form part of a verb phrase (is declining).

Etymology: The word originates from Latin declinare, meaning “to bend away,” via Old French descliner/decliner. The sense broadened from physical bending to turning away from a path or activity and eventually to diminishing.

Usage: In demographics, a declining population indicates fewer people over time. In economics or business, a declining market or revenue signals a negative trend. In health, a declining condition refers to worsening function. In everyday language, to decline also means to politely refuse an invitation or offer. The phrase “on the decline” describes something perceived as diminishing in importance, quality, or frequency. Declines can be gradual, due to long‑term trends, or abrupt, due to shocks; reversibility depends on the underlying causes and actions taken.

See also: decline (noun); declining trend; decline rate; population decline; language decline.