in decline

IPA/ɪn dɪklˈaɪn/
IPA/ɪn dᵻklˈaɪn/

in decline — 慣用語

1. describes a situation where something is gradually losing its former strength, p

1.慣用語B2
釋義

衰落

事物逐漸失去力量或影響力

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

例句

The local steel mill has been in decline since the factory closed in 2009.

這家當地鋼鐵廠自2009年關閉以來，就一直處於衰落狀態。

be in decline for + [time period] — duration pattern

With fewer young members joining, the village choir fell into decline.

由於加入的年輕成員越來越少，這個村莊合唱團走向了衰落。

fall into decline — verb variation with 'into'

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • thriving

    suggests active growth and increasing success

  • growing

    focuses on increase in size, importance, or popularity

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

❌The company is in declining.
✅The company is in decline.
💡'in decline' is a fixed noun phrase; do not use the continuous verb form 'declining' here.

2. refers to a person whose physical abilities, mental sharpness, or general health

2.慣用語B2
釋義

衰退；惡化

健康或精神狀態變差

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

例句

After the stroke, Aylin's grandmother's health went into a slow decline.

中風之後，Aylin 祖母的健康狀況逐漸衰退。

go into decline — used for health/condition contexts

The doctor warned that the patient's kidney function was in decline.

醫生警告說，這位病人的腎臟功能正在衰退。

be in decline — used with specific body functions

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞

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.

常見錯誤

❌His health is going to decline.
✅His health is in decline.
💡'in decline' describes an ongoing state that is already happening, not a future intention.