on the decline
idiom
: becoming worse in condition or less in size, amount, number, etc. : declining
His health is on the decline.
Sales are on the decline.
Examples of on the decline in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Since 2006, according to Freedom House’s annual measurements, freedom and democracy have been on the decline.
—
Larry Diamond, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
This is concerning for local deer populations, which are currently on the decline in both the southern portion of Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 24 Oct. 2024
California Your guide to Proposition 36: Stiffer penalties for some drug and theft crimes
Oct. 21, 2024
Overall, property crimes are on the decline in California.
—Anabel Sosa, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024
Violent crime on the decline For the second year in a row, violent crime in the United States declined in 2023, including instances of murder, rape and assault, according to Federal Bureau of Investigation estimates released Monday.
—Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 23 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for on the decline 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Larry Diamond, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
This is concerning for local deer populations, which are currently on the decline in both the southern portion of Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 24 Oct. 2024
California Your guide to Proposition 36: Stiffer penalties for some drug and theft crimes
Oct. 21, 2024
Overall, property crimes are on the decline in California.
—Anabel Sosa, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024
Violent crime on the decline For the second year in a row, violent crime in the United States declined in 2023, including instances of murder, rape and assault, according to Federal Bureau of Investigation estimates released Monday.
—Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 23 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for on the decline
Dictionary Entries Near on the decline
Cite this Entry
“On the decline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20decline. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share