decrease
2 ENTRIES FOUND:
decreases;
decreased;
decreasing
decreases;
decreased;
decreasing
Britannica Dictionary definition of DECREASE
1
[no object]
:
to become smaller in size, amount, number, etc.
-
Sales decreased by five percent this year.
-
The population is decreasing steadily. = The population is steadily decreasing in size.
2
[+ object]
:
to make (something) smaller in size, amount, number, etc.
—
opposite increase
-
By exercising often, you can decrease [=reduce, lower] your chance of developing heart disease.
-
The driver decreased her speed as she approached the curve.
-
These changes will decrease our expenses.
— decreased
adjective-
The patient has a decreased appetite.
-
a decreased risk of heart disease
— decreasingly
adverb-
The medication has been decreasingly effective. [=has gradually been becoming less effective]
plural
decreases
plural
decreases
Britannica Dictionary definition of DECREASE
1
:
the act of becoming smaller or of making something smaller in size, amount, number, etc.
[count]
-
Studies report a recent decrease in traffic accidents.
-
We've had a decrease [=reduction] in the number of students enrolling in the school.
-
significant decreases in activity
[noncount]
-
Because of the injury, some decrease in mobility is to be expected.
2
[count]
:
the amount by which something is made smaller
—
opposite increase
-
The report showed decreases [=reductions] of between 20 and 30 percent.
-
a decrease of three dollars
on the decrease
:
becoming less in size, amount, number, etc.
:
decreasing
-
The number of college applications is on the decrease. [=on the decline]
