decline in

IPA/dɪklˈaɪn ˈɪn/
IPA/dᵻklˈaɪn ˈɪn/

decline in — noun

1. a process or period in which the amount, value, quality, or importance of someth

1.名詞B2
釋義

a process or period in which the amount, value, quality, or importance of something gradually becomes smaller or weaker over time

例句

After losing his job, Tomás noticed a decline in his family's quality of life.

a decline in + noun phrase (quality of life)

The national park saw a sharp decline in wildlife after the new road was built.

adjective + decline in: a sharp decline in

同義詞
  • decrease

    more neutral and can be used in a wider range of contexts; often refers to numbers or amounts rather than quality

  • drop

    suggests a more sudden or dramatic fall, often used in financial or statistical reports

  • reduction

    emphasizes the result of making something smaller, often deliberately; sounds more active than 'decline'

  • downturn

    specifically used for economic or business conditions; implies a temporary negative period

反義詞
  • increase

    general opposite; a rise in amount, number, or level

  • growth

    positive development in size, value, or importance; often implies improvement or progress

文法句型

a/the + decline + in + noun phrase

a/the + adjective + decline + in + noun phrase

用法筆記

This pattern requires 'a' or 'the' before 'decline' and must be followed by 'in' to indicate what is decreasing. Common adjectives placed before 'decline' include 'sharp', 'steady', 'gradual', 'dramatic', 'significant', and 'sudden' — these describe the speed or severity of the reduction.

常見錯誤

❌There has been a decline of customer satisfaction this quarter.
✅There has been a decline in customer satisfaction this quarter.
💡When describing something that is decreasing, use 'decline in' + noun, not 'decline of'. The pattern 'decline of' is reserved for historical periods or specific eras (e.g., 'the decline of the Roman Empire').