Decrease in Amount: English Vocabulary List

very small in amount or degree, often the smallest possible

"The damage is minimal."

"The minimal amount of rain this summer caused a drought and the farmers lost most of their crops."

to reduce in amount, size, intensity, etc.

"His health began to decline rapidly."

"His health began to decline rapidly after he stopped taking his prescribed medication regularly."

to make something smaller in amount, degree, price, etc.

"We must reduce waste at home."

"Switching to energy efficient light bulbs can significantly reduce your household electricity bills over time."

to lessen the amount, number, degree, or intensity of something

"They will drop prices."

"The temperature is expected to drop below freezing tonight so please protect your outdoor plants."

to reduce something in degree, amount, quality, or strength

"Please lower your voice slightly."

"The company decided to lower its prices temporarily to attract more customers during the slow season."

to become less desirable, easy, or tolerable

"The storm may worsen overnight."

"Ignoring the early symptoms of an illness can cause the condition to worsen over time."

(of clothes or fabric) to become smaller when washed with hot water

"Wool sweaters shrink in hot water."

"Wool sweaters tend to shrink in hot water so always wash them in cold water instead."

to reduce the amount of something

"Trim the extra paper."

"The gardener needs to trim the overgrown bushes before they block the pathway completely."

a reduction in size, amount, number, etc.

"A fall in prices."

"There was a significant fall in the company's profits during the last fiscal quarter."