declining

1 of 2

adjective

de·​clin·​ing di-ˈklī-niŋ How to pronounce declining (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of decliningnext
: of or relating to the period during which something is deteriorating or nearing its end
their declining years

declining

2 of 2

present participle of decline entry 1

Synonyms of declining

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Adjective

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Examples of declining in a Sentence

Adjective the declining flowers perked up with the gentle rainfall
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
While pruning, remove any winter damage, along with dead and declining growths, to allow new shoots to reform the plant. — Tom MacCubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 6 Mar. 2021 In order to reopen, counties must demonstrate declining prevalence of COVID-19, testing ability of 30 tests per 10,000 residents per week, contact tracing and isolation facilities. — Fox News, 15 May 2020 During replanting, remove dead and declining portions, including old roots. — Tom MacCubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, 26 May 2018 According to a new analysis by the McKinsey Global Institute, 81 percent of the United States population is in an income bracket with flat or declining income over the last decade. — Neil Irwin, New York Times, 6 Aug. 2016

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of declining was in 1597

Rhymes for declining

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Browse Nearby Words

decliner
declining
declining-balance method
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Cite this Entry

“Declining.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/declining. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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