B2verb 1K

Decline

🇬🇧 UK /["/dɪˈklaɪn/","/dɪˈklaɪnz/","/dɪˈklaɪnd/","/dɪˈklaɪnɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/dɪˈklaɪn/","/dɪˈklaɪnz/","/dɪˈklaɪnd/","/dɪˈklaɪnɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Decline

to become smaller, fewer, weaker, etc.

In simple words: to say no to something or to become less.

Decline in a sentence

• She decided to decline the invitation to the party.
• The company chose to decline the offer due to financial constraints.
• As the population ages, the number of available workers may decline.
• His health began to decline after the accident.
• The decline in sales has caused concern among the investors.
• He declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
• There has been a noticeable decline in air quality in the city.
• The flowers will decline if they are not watered regularly.

How to use Decline

Use 'decline' in formal settings to refuse an offer or request. In informal contexts, 'turn down' is more common. Don't confuse 'decline' with 'decrease'—the former involves refusal, while the latter refers to reduction.

Grammar pattern

decline + object

Memory hint

Think of a decline in sales—a business saying no to bad numbers.

Related words

Collocations with Decline

• considerably
• dramatically
• drastically
• by
• from
• to
• decline in importance, numbers, size, etc.
• politely
• respectfully

Synonyms for Decline

• refuse1

Opposites of Decline

• accept
• agree
• approve

Common mistakes with Decline

• Confused with 'refuse' - 'decline' can sound more polite.
• Using 'decline' without an object (e.g., 'I will decline' is incomplete without specifying what).
• Mistaking 'decline' for a physical action rather than a polite refusal.

Frequently asked questions about Decline

What does Decline mean?

to say no to something or to become less.

What is the definition of Decline?

to become smaller, fewer, weaker, etc.

How do you use Decline in a sentence?

She decided to decline the invitation to the party.

Can you give another example of Decline?

The company chose to decline the offer due to financial constraints.

What are synonyms for Decline?

Common alternatives include refuse1.

What is the opposite of Decline?

Opposite meanings include accept, agree, approve.

What words go with Decline?

It commonly pairs with considerably, dramatically, drastically, by, from, to, decline in importance, numbers, size, etc., politely, respectfully.

What are common mistakes when using Decline?

Confused with 'refuse' - 'decline' can sound more polite. Using 'decline' without an object (e.g., 'I will decline' is incomplete without specifying what). Mistaking 'decline' for a physical action rather than a polite refusal.

How do you pronounce Decline?

US: /["/dɪˈklaɪn/","/dɪˈklaɪnz/","/dɪˈklaɪnd/","/dɪˈklaɪnɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/dɪˈklaɪn/","/dɪˈklaɪnz/","/dɪˈklaɪnd/","/dɪˈklaɪnɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Decline?

Use 'decline' in formal settings to refuse an offer or request. In informal contexts, 'turn down' is more common. Don't confuse 'decline' with 'decrease'—the former involves refusal, while the latter refers to reduction.

What CEFR level is Decline?

"Decline" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.