in decline
in decline — idiom
1. describes a situation where something is gradually losing its former strength, p
describes a situation where something is gradually losing its former strength, popularity, success, or value — for example, an industry that is shrinking, a tradition that fewer people follow, or an institution that has less influence than before
The local steel mill has been in decline since the factory closed in 2009.
be in decline for + [time period] — duration pattern
With fewer young members joining, the village choir fell into decline.
fall into decline — verb variation with 'into'
Traditional bookstores are in decline as online shopping becomes more popular.
The Roman Empire was already in decline long before the barbarian invasions.
- deteriorating
focuses on worsening quality rather than quantity or influence
- fading
emphasizes gradual loss of importance or visibility, often of traditions or trends
- waning
more literary register; suggests a natural lessening like the moon's phases
文法句型
be in decline
go into decline
fall into decline
用法筆記
Commonly describes industries, economies, institutions, traditions, or social trends. Frequently appears after the verbs be, go, or fall.
常見錯誤
2. refers to a person whose physical abilities, mental sharpness, or general health
refers to a person whose physical abilities, mental sharpness, or general health is slowly getting worse, often as a natural result of growing older or due to illness
After the stroke, Aylin's grandmother's health went into a slow decline.
go into decline — used for health/condition contexts
The doctor warned that the patient's kidney function was in decline.
be in decline — used with specific body functions
Uncle Imran's memory has been in decline since he turned eighty-two.
Without regular exercise, Soraya found her physical fitness in decline.
- weakening
focuses on gradual loss of physical power or effectiveness
- failing
suggests approaching complete loss of a specific function, like eyesight or hearing
- deteriorating
more clinical register; suggests progressive worsening typically monitored by doctors
- improving
health getting better over time
- recovering
regaining health after an illness or injury
文法句型
be in decline
go into decline
用法筆記
The subject is typically a person or their health, memory, strength, or a specific body function. Distinguish from sense 1 (LOSING POWER), which describes institutions or broad trends rather than personal wellbeing.