ENGLISH WORD FILE NO. 00206 · Core CSAT & TOEIC Vocabulary
decline
v.
US/dɪˈklaɪn/
UK/dɪˈklaɪn/
CSAT Frequency55/100
TOEIC Frequency68/100
02
Meanings of decline
1verb
To become smaller, fewer, or worse; or to politely refuse something.
Sales declined sharply during the recession.
Sales declined sharply during the recession.
He politely declined the invitation to dinner.
He politely declined the invitation to dinner.
03
Derivatives of decline
decline (n.)
decline (noun)
The industry is experiencing a steady decline.
The industry is experiencing a steady decline.
declining
declining (adjective)
The company is struggling with declining revenue.
The company is struggling with declining revenue.
04
Synonyms & Antonyms of decline
05
Common Phrases with decline
decline sharplydecline sharply
decline an offerdecline an offer
steady declinesteady decline
decline in valuedecline in value
politely declinepolitely decline
06
Practice Question: decline
Choose the best word for the blank
Birth rates have ___ steadily over the last twenty years.
- A decline
- B declined
- C declining
- D declines
Answer: B) declined — the present perfect tense (have + past participle) is required.