a gradual and continuous loss of strength, numbers, or value:a serious decline in bird numbers [mass noun]:a civilization in decline
archaic the sun’s gradual setting:this Evening from the Sun’s decline arriv’d
archaic a disease in which the bodily strength gradually fails, especially tuberculosis:he died at his brother’s of a deep decline
ზმნა
Universal
1 [no object] (typically of something regarded as good) become smaller, fewer, or less; decrease:the birth rate continued to decline
diminish in strength or quality; deteriorate:her health began to decline (as adjective declining)declining industries
2 [with object] politely refuse (an invitation or offer):Caroline declined the coffee [with infinitive]:the company declined to comment
3 [no object] (especially of the sun) move downwards:the sun began to creep round to the west and to decline
archaic bend down; droop:the wearisome creatures of the world declining to their rest
4 [with object] (in the grammar of Latin, Greek, and certain other languages) state the forms of (a noun, pronoun, or adjective) corresponding to case, number, and gender.
declining years
the period of one’s old age:he needed a companion for his declining years
the period leading up to the end of an enterprise or institution:the declining years of the Austro-Hungarian empire
