Dwindle

Pronunciation: /ˈdwɪn.dəl/

Definitions of dwindle

verb to become smaller or fewer in number or amount

Example Sentences

A1 The number of cookies in the jar dwindled quickly as the children ate them.

A2 As the days passed, the supply of food in the bunker dwindled, causing concern among the survivors.

B1 The company's profits began to dwindle after the economic downturn hit.

B2 The support for the controversial policy started to dwindle as more people became aware of its negative consequences.

C1 The once vibrant community began to dwindle as people moved away in search of better opportunities.

C2 Despite their best efforts, the team's chances of winning the championship continued to dwindle as injuries plagued their key players.

Examples of dwindle in a Sentence

formal The company's profits continue to dwindle as expenses rise.

informal I've noticed that the number of attendees at the event is starting to dwindle.

slang Our chances of winning are dwindling by the minute.

figurative Her patience began to dwindle as the meeting dragged on.

Grammatical Forms of dwindle

• past tense: dwindled
• plural: dwindles
• comparative: more dwindling
• superlative: most dwindling
• present tense: dwindles
• future tense: will dwindle
• perfect tense: has dwindled
• continuous tense: is dwindling
• singular: dwindle
• positive degree: dwindle
• infinitive: to dwindle
• gerund: dwindling
• participle: dwindling

Origin and Evolution of dwindle

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'dwindle' originated from Middle English 'dwindlen' which is believed to have been derived from Old English 'dwīnan' meaning 'to waste away or perish'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'dwindle' has retained its original meaning of gradually diminishing or shrinking in size or amount. Its usage has expanded to encompass a broader range of contexts beyond physical size or amount, such as describing a decrease in strength, importance, or influence.