diminution

American  

[dim-uh-noo-shuhn, -nyoo-] / ˌdɪm əˈnu ʃən, -ˈnyu- /

noun

1. the act, fact, or process of diminishing; lessening; reduction.

2. Music. the repetition or imitation of a subject or theme in notes of shorter duration than those first used.

---

diminution British  

/ ˌdɪmɪˈnjuːʃən /

noun

1. reduction; decrease

2. music the presentation of the subject of a fugue, etc, in which the note values are reduced in length Compare augmentation

---

Other Word Forms

• prediminution noun

Etymology

Origin of diminution

1275–1325; Middle English diminucion < Anglo-French diminuciun < Latin dīminūtiōn- (stem of dīminūtiō ), for dēminūtiōn- (stem of dēminūtiō ) (by influence of dīmunuere; diminish ), equivalent to dēminūt ( us ) (past participle of dēminuere, equivalent to dē- de- + minuere to lessen) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

“That would still be the case if there was some diminution in this number over time because of Google’s strategy,” they wrote.

From Barron's • Jan. 1, 2026

Investors more often than not fail to appreciate Aghion’s insight, since the diminution in future economic growth that results from protectionism only manifests itself over the longer term.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 21, 2025

He believes that the discovery of even simple alien life would be the latest chapter in the diminution of humanity's place in the cosmos.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2025

I can make no sense of my life without design being central to it, and it never feels to me like a distraction, waste of time or diminution of gravitas.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 21, 2023

Any diminution in magnetism is likely to be bad news, because magnetism, apart from holding notes to refrigerators and keeping our compasses pointing the right way, plays a vital role in keeping us alive.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

Related Words

• weakening