dwindle

[ dwin-dl ]

verb (used without object)

, dwin·dled, dwin·dling.

1. to become smaller and smaller; shrink; waste away:

   His vast fortune has dwindled away.

   Synonyms: wane, lessen, decline, diminish

   Antonyms: increase

2. to fall away, as in quality; degenerate.

verb (used with object)

, dwin·dled, dwin·dling.

1. to make smaller and smaller; cause to shrink:

   Failing health dwindles ambition.

   Synonyms: lessen

   Antonyms: magnify

dwindle

/ ˈdwɪndəl /

verb

1. to grow or cause to grow less in size, intensity, or number; diminish or shrink gradually

Other Words From

• un·dwindling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dwindle¹

1590–1600; dwine (now dial.) to waste away ( Middle English; Old English dwīnan; cognate with Middle Dutch dwīnen to languish, Old Norse dvīna to pine away) + -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of dwindle¹

C16: from Old English dwīnan to waste away; related to Old Norse dvīna to pine away

Synonym Study

See decrease.

Example Sentences

The Clippers saw their 70-52 halftime lead dwindle to just two points entering the fourth quarter.

From Los Angeles Times

“Once you get deeper in, it’s basically as if you’ve got a battery. Your battery starts to dwindle so those trips at the end really zap you,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

And as depth all over USC’s defense continues to dwindle, it won’t be the last time that Lynn has to put his faith in a freshman.

From Los Angeles Times

“You’re either ready for your opportunity when it comes again and you take advantage of it, or you’re not ready, and then those opportunities can dwindle quickly,” Minter said last week.

From Los Angeles Times

But Momma’s the only one who can see the zombie-like ghosts of her dead mother and husband, and her sons need to take it on faith that she’s keeping them safe, even as their supplies dwindle.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abate
• decay
• decline
• decrease
• die down
• diminish
• drop
• ebb
• fade
• fall
• lessen
• peter out
• shrink
• shrivel
• sink
• subside
• wane
• weaken
• wither