WordValedwindle
to gradually become smaller
In more detail
1. (verb) to gradually become smaller in size, amount, or number
2. (verb) to gradually decrease or diminish over time
Examples
- 1. The company's profits dwindled as fewer people bought their products.
- 2. His confidence dwindled after several failures.
How to use dwindle
Dwindle emphasizes a gradual, steady process of reduction, often suggesting something that becomes smaller piece by piece or day by day. It typically implies an inevitable or continuous decline rather than sudden loss. It is commonly used for resources, populations, numbers, or amounts that slowly reduce to insignificant levels or disappear entirely.
Common phrases
- dwindle away
- dwindle to nothing
- dwindle over time
- dwindle in number
- dwindling resources
- dwindling population
Synonyms
diminish · decrease · decline · shrink · wane
Opposites
grow · increase · expand
Word family
dwindling (adjective/present participle) · dwindled (past tense)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use dwindle as if it implies rapid change, when it specifically conveys a slow, gradual process; also, it is intransitive and does not take a direct object (say 'resources dwindle', not 'we dwindle resources').
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD