Meaning of the word decline in English

What does decline mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

decline

US /dɪˈklaɪn/

UK /dɪˈklaɪn/

to politely refuse an invitation or offer

Example:

•

She had to decline the invitation to the party due to a prior engagement.

•

He chose to decline the job offer, preferring to stay at his current company.

Synonym:

refuse reject turn down

Antonym:

accept agree

to become smaller, fewer, or less; decrease

Example:

•

The company's profits began to decline after the economic downturn.

•

His health has been declining rapidly over the past few months.

Synonym:

decrease diminish fall drop deteriorate

Antonym:

increase rise grow improve

a gradual and continuous loss of strength, numbers, or quality

Example:

•

The city has seen a steady decline in its population over the last decade.

•

The decline of the Roman Empire is a well-studied historical event.

Synonym:

decrease reduction fall drop deterioration

Antonym:

increase growth rise improvement