Words / C1

DWINDL/ˈdwɪndl/

To dwindle is to become gradually smaller or weaker: savings dwindled, numbers dwindled. Shrink is everyday; decline is a close formal cousin; peter out stresses coming to a feeble end. Dwindling is a common adjective (dwindling stocks). In speech, shrink little by little or fade is enough. Dwindle is gradual — not a sudden collapse. Do not use it for a planned cut you announced on Monday.

Meaning

To become gradually smaller or weaker.

Examples

• “Savings dwindled over the winter.”
• “Savings dwindled over the winter as the heating bills arrived.”
• “Attendance dwindled after half-term; the remaining six still deserved a lesson.”

Good to know

Shrink gradually. Everyday: shrink / fade. Close: decline. Adjective: dwindling. Gradual, not a sudden crash. Contrast: slash / collapse.

Near in meaning

shrink

New