decline in

/dɪˈklaɪn ɪn/
a gradual reduction or decrease

There has been a decline in the number of students enrolling in the program.

The number of students enrolling in the program has been decreasing.


general

a gradual reduction or decrease in quantity, quality, or intensity

The company reported a decline in profits this quarter.

The company's profits decreased this quarter.

There has been a decline in public interest in the event.

Public interest in the event has been decreasing.

This phrase is commonly used in business, economics, and social contexts to describe a downward trend.

Collocations

sharp decline ina sudden and significant decreasesteady decline ina consistent and gradual decreasedramatic decline ina noticeable and substantial decrease

Related Phrases

decline tophrasal verb
to refuse or reject
on the declinephrase
in a state of decreasing

Pro Tip

Usage Tip

Use 'decline in' when referring to a gradual or ongoing reduction in something. For a sudden or drastic decrease, consider using 'drop in' or 'fall in'.

Gold Rule

Grammar Rule

'Decline in' is followed by a noun or noun phrase. For example, 'a decline in sales' or 'a decline in population'.

Word Origin

The word 'decline' comes from the Latin 'declinare', meaning 'to bend down or turn away'. The phrase 'decline in' is a common way to express a reduction in English.

Usage Notes

This phrase is often used in formal and informal contexts to describe a negative trend or reduction in something. It is commonly used in business reports, news articles, and academic writing.

Word Breakdown

decline
a reduction or decrease
root
+
in
indicates the area or aspect being reduced
preposition
English Dictionary