decrement

IPA/ˈdek.rə.mənt/
IPA/ˈdek.rə.mənt/

decrement — noun

  • decrementsingular
  • decrementsplural

1. a change in which something becomes less in amount, size, level, or strength tha

1.nounC1
Definition

a change in which something becomes less in amount, size, level, or strength than it was earlier.

Example

The town saw a steady decrement in bus services after the depot closed.

decrement in + service/amount over time

A decrement in classroom noise helped the youngest pupils hear the teacher.

decrement in + noun phrase

Common collocations
  • steady decrement
  • small decrement
  • decrement in demand
  • decrement in output
Synonyms
  • decrease

    the closest everyday word for something becoming smaller

  • reduction

    common when the change is planned or described formally

  • decline

    suggests a gradual downward change over time

  • drop

    often suggests a quicker or more noticeable fall

Antonyms
  • increase

    a general opposite for something becoming larger

  • rise

    often used when a level or amount goes upward

  • growth

    suggests continuing increase over time

Grammar Patterns

decrement in + noun phrase

Usage Note

Often followed by in when you name what became smaller. Distinguish from sense 2, which gives the exact figure or amount lost.

Common Mistakes

There was a decrement of sales 10%.
There was a 10% decrement in sales.
Use 'decrement in' for the thing that became smaller.
The company decremented the ticket price for families.
The company lowered the ticket price for families.
In general English, 'decrement' is much more common as a noun than as a verb.

2. the exact amount or number by which something has become smaller.

2.nounC1
Definition

the exact amount or number by which something has become smaller.

Example

The chart showed a 12% decrement in heating costs last winter.

percentage + decrement in + costs

By noon, the gauge marked a decrement of five litres in the tank.

decrement of + amount

Common collocations
  • 12% decrement
  • decrement of five litres
  • voltage decrement
Synonyms
  • amount lost

    a plain explanation rather than a direct synonym

  • decrease

    can also mean the quantity that has gone down in a report

  • drop

    often used for the size of a fall in figures or levels

Antonyms
  • increment

    a formal opposite meaning an amount added or gained

  • gain

    the amount by which something increases

Grammar Patterns

decrement of + amount

decrement in + measurement

Usage Note

Usually appears with numbers, percentages, or measurement words. Distinguish from sense 1, which names the decrease itself rather than its size.

Common Mistakes

The decrement was ten percent less.
The decrement was ten percent.
The word already names the amount of decrease, so adding 'less' repeats the same idea.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Decrement is a formal word for something becoming smaller or for the amount lost. Decrease is the closest everyday synonym and works well in speech and writing for numbers, prices, or levels. Reduction is common when the change is planned or presented as a policy, such as a reduction in staff or spending. Decline often suggests a gradual downward movement over time, especially in quality, popularity, or health. Drop usually points to a quicker or more noticeable fall. Choose decrement when you want a technical or report-like tone; in ordinary conversation, most speakers would usually prefer decrease or drop.

decrease ↗reduction ↗decline ↗drop ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • a decrement in demand
  • a decrement of 5%

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinEnglish

The word 'decrement' comes from Latin 'decrementum', meaning a decrease or growing less. It is linked to the verb 'decrescere', meaning 'to grow smaller', from de- ('down, away') and crescere ('to grow'). English borrowed it in the early 1600s for the act of becoming smaller and later for the exact amount lost.

First known use

1621

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 1