decline Definition

decline
verb declined, declining

1. To refuse (an invitation, etc), especially politely.

Thesaurus: turn down, forgo, refuse.
intr
2. To become less strong or less healthy.

Thesaurus: decrease, lessen, degenerate, deteriorate, backslide, decay, ebb, fade, fail, wane, weaken, dwindle.
intr
3. To become less in quality or quantity.
4. grammar.
To state the pattern of forms representing the various cases of (a noun, adjective or pronoun). See also conjugate, declension.

noun

1. A lessening of strength, health, quality, quantity, etc.

Thesaurus: lessening, recession, falling off, abatement, diminution; deterioration, downturn, decay, slump, worsening, failing, weakening, decrepitude.

Derivative: declinable
adj

Having declensions; able to be declined.

Idiom: on the decline

Becoming less; deteriorating.

Etymology: 14c: from Latin declinare to bend aside.