C2verbformalenvironmentscience
US/dɪˈmɪn.ɪʃ/
UK/dɪˈmɪn.ɪʃ/
to become smaller or less important, or to make something do this
In context
Fish stocks in the Gulf of Tonkin have diminished over the past twenty years.
The noise diminished as the planes flew further away.
One mistake should not diminish everything she has achieved.
Words that go with diminish
adverb + verb
- greatly diminishPollution can greatly diminish the value of nearby land.
- gradually diminishThe pain should gradually diminish over a few days.
verb + preposition
- diminish inThe glacier has diminished in size every year.
adjective + noun
- diminishing returnsAfter six hours of study, you get diminishing returns.
verb + noun
- diminish the importanceThis does not diminish the importance of saving energy.