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reduction
/rɪˈdʌkʃən/
the act of making something smaller or less
The company announced a 10% reduction in staff due to financial difficulties.
This means the company is cutting its workforce by 10% because of money problems.
general
the act of making something smaller in size, amount, or degree
The diet led to a significant reduction in body weight.
The diet caused a noticeable decrease in weight.
Often used in contexts like weight loss, expenses, or workforce.
general
a decrease in the intensity, volume, or level of something
Turn the volume down for a reduction in noise.
Lower the volume to make the sound quieter.
Common in audio, lighting, or stress management contexts.
general
a simplified or condensed version of something
The summary was a reduction of the original 50-page report.
The summary shortened the original long report.
Used in writing, data, or information contexts.
Collocations
reduction ina decrease in something specificreduction ofa decrease in something specificsignificant reductiona noticeable or important decrease
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Collocations
'Reduction in' and 'reduction of' are the most common collocations. Use them to specify what is being decreased.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
In formal contexts, 'reduction' is preferred over 'cut' or 'lowering'. In informal contexts, all are acceptable.
Word Origin
From Middle English *reduccioun*, from Old French *reduccion*, from Latin *reductio* ('a leading back'), from *reducere* ('to lead back').
Usage Notes
The word 'reduction' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, often in business, finance, and everyday language to describe a decrease in size, amount, or intensity.
Word Breakdown
re-
back
prefix-duct
lead
root-ion
the act of
suffixEnglish Dictionary