B1nounbusinesssociety
US/dɪˈklaɪn/
UK/dɪˈklaɪn/
a gradual decrease in the amount, quality or importance of something
In context
There has been a steady decline in the number of bookshops.
The town went into decline after the factory closed.
Experts are worried about the decline in bird numbers.
Words that go with decline
noun + preposition
- decline inThere was a sharp decline in sales.
- in declineThe old industry is in decline.
adjective + noun
- steady declineThe steady decline in rice prices hurt farmers.
- sharp declineTourism saw a sharp decline during the pandemic.
- economic declineThe country suffered years of economic decline.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
There is a decline of birth rate.Correct: There is a decline in the birth rate.