decreasing

[ dih-kree-sing ]

adjective

1. becoming less or fewer; diminishing.
2. Mathematics. (of a function) having the property that for any two points in the domain such that one is larger than the other, the image of the larger point is less than or equal to the image of the smaller point; nonincreasing. Compare increasing ( def 2 ).

Other Words From

• de·creasing·ly adverb
• unde·creasing adjective
• unde·creasing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of decreasing¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; decrease, -ing ²

Example Sentences

He said he views tariffs mostly as a negotiating tactic and noted Trump has put forth other proposals that could reduce mortgage rates by decreasing inflation and deficits.

From Los Angeles Times

For the U.S. to do better, decreasing corporate influence and eliminating mandatory foods might be a way to cut down on plate waste.

From Salon

"The chances of rescuing more wounded are decreasing because of the continuous shooting and artillery shelling," civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal said.

From BBC

Pre-frailty is an early stage of physical decline in older adults, marked by declining strength, decreasing endurance and slower movements.

From Science Daily

One participant noted, "Digital money doesn't feel like spending your own money; there is no concept of money, but cash is different; it always feels like your money is decreasing when you use it."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• decrease
• deflation
• recession
• reduction
• shrinkage

More About Decreasing

What does decreasing mean?

Decreasing is an adjective that means lessening or in decline—becoming less in number, amount, size, or in some other way.

It comes from the continuous tense (-ing form) of the verb decrease, which means to lessen or become reduced in number, amount, size, or in some other way, as in Our profits will continue to decrease unless we cut costs.

The word decreased can also be used as an adjective to describe things that have lessened or declined, as in a decreased appetite.

Example: Decreasing sales have forced the company to cut costs.

Where does decreasing come from?

The first records of the word decreasing as an adjective come from the 1300s. Decrease comes from the Latin verb dēcrēscere, from de-, which indicates negation, descent, or reversal, and the Latin verb crēscere, meaning “to grow.”

Something that’s described as decreasing is doing the opposite of growing—it’s becoming smaller in size, quantity, extent, or in some other way. The opposite of decreasing is increasing.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to decreasing?

• decreasingly (adverb)
• decrease (verb, noun)

What are some synonyms for decreasing?

• lessening
• diminishing
• dwindling
• shrinking
• declining

What are some words that share a root or word element with decreasing? 

• increasing

What are some words that often get used in discussing decreasing?

• reduce
• number
• amount
• size
• quantity
• quality
• percent
• down

How is decreasing used in real life?

Decreasing is a common word that can be used in all kinds of contexts.

Why coffee is beginning to outsell booze at campus bars. Pubs at Western and McMaster both report decreasing sales in alcohol while coffee drinks are on the rise: https://t.co/Ph1usTeHOB pic.twitter.com/NVoHPdMfej

— CBC Toronto (@CBCToronto) April 20, 2018

One of the most interesting papers I've read this year, on the difference between decreasing returns and increasing returns in business.

It was written in 1996 and heavily edited by Cormac McCarthy. https://t.co/nJeWGGGdyl

h/t @samhinkie

— Patrick OShaughnessy (@patrick_oshag) June 17, 2019

The decreasing value of the minimum wage in every state, visualized. http://t.co/UZIon2ag0i pic.twitter.com/iYljZwic8i

— Chris Cillizza (@ChrisCillizza) June 3, 2014

Try using decreasing!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of decreasing?

A. lessening
B. dwindling
C. enlarging
D. declining