Decrease

/dɪˈkriːs/

Meaning & Definition

noun
a reduction in size, amount, or degree.
There was a noticeable decrease in sales this quarter.
the act of becoming smaller or fewer.
The decrease in temperature was welcome after the hot summer.
a decline or diminishment.
The decrease in crime rates is attributed to better law enforcement.
verb
to make or become smaller or fewer in size, amount, intensity, or degree.
The company decided to decrease its workforce to cut costs.
to diminish or lessen in quantity or magnitude.
The temperature will decrease significantly at night.
to reduce the amount of something.
She needs to decrease her sugar intake for better health.

Etymology

Middle English: from Old French decrescer, from Latin decrescere, from de- ‘down’ + crescere ‘to grow’.

Common Phrases and Expressions

decrease in price
a reduction in the cost of something.
decrease the risk
to lower the chance of a negative outcome.
decrease in size
to become smaller in dimensions.

Related Words

reduction
the action or fact of making something smaller or less.
diminution
the reduction or lessening of something.
decline
to decrease in quantity or quality.

Slang Meanings

cut down
I'm going to cut down on my spending this month.
trim back
We need to trim back on our expenses to save money.