Decrease in Amount: English Vocabulary List

not enough to satisfy a need or reach a goal

"The training was inadequate."

"The inadequate training led to many mistakes during the new employee's first week at work."

very little in quantity or amount

"The time is limited."

"The limited time for the exam meant students had to work quickly without any delays."

existing in smaller amounts than what is needed

"Water is scarce here."

"Clean drinking water is scarce in many parts of Africa and Asia today."

the act of reducing or shrinking something

"The contraction of muscles is normal."

"The economic contraction experienced last quarter has led to widespread job losses and a general feeling of uncertainty."

to decrease in quality, amount, degree, etc.

"Sales tend to fall off in winter."

"Sales tend to fall off during the winter months when fewer tourists visit the beach town and shop at local stores."

to decrease in degree, size, etc.

"The noise slowly diminished over time."

"The sound of the train gradually diminished as it traveled further away from the station until it could no longer be heard."

to reduce the value or amount of something

"Deflate the value."

"The balloon began to deflate slowly after it was accidentally punctured by a sharp twig."