decline
verb (used with object)
to withhold or deny consent to do, enter into or upon, etc.; refuse.
have been declining
-
present perfect progressiveof decline.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Cereal appears to be in a financial free fall; sales have been declining for years,” the authors report, partly because new products such as protein bars offer greater convenience.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026
But sales have been declining, from nearly 41,000 in 2023 to just 16,000 last year, and only 6,000 in the first half of 2026.
From Barron's ● Aug. 13, 2026
Nationally, measles vaccination rates have been declining, dropping below the 95% threshold experts say is needed to prevent widespread outbreaks.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026
He said salmon numbers have been declining "rapidly" in the past two decades and pollution like this has "the potential to wipe out" salmon stocks on the River Mourne.
From BBC ● May 6, 2026
For many years, however, its glories have been declining, and during the last few decades the upper and middle classes have taken scant part in the festivities.
From Cuba Past and Present by Richard Davey
