Top 65 Slang For Decrease – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to expressing a decrease in a casual and trendy way, we’ve got you covered. From phrases that describe a decline in something to cool slang terms that signify a reduction, our team has compiled a list of the top slang for decrease that will have you speaking the language of the cool kids in no time. Stay ahead of the curve and brush up on your slang game with this must-read article!

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1. Dip

To decrease or fall sharply in value, quantity, or quality.

For example, “The stock market took a dip after the release of the negative economic report.”
In a discussion about sales, one might say, “Our revenue has been dipping for the past few months.”
A sports commentator might describe a team’s performance as, “They had a dip in form during the second half of the season.”

2. Plummet

To drop or fall steeply or rapidly.

For instance, “The temperature plummeted overnight, causing a sudden freeze.”
A news headline might read, “Stock prices plummet as investors panic.”
In a conversation about attendance, someone might remark, “The number of attendees at the event plummeted compared to last year.”

3. Tank

To experience a sudden and significant decrease or failure.

For example, “The company’s stock tanked after the CEO’s scandal was exposed.”
A person discussing a failed business venture might say, “Our startup tanked due to poor market demand.”
In a sports context, one might comment, “The team’s performance has been tanking in recent matches.”

4. Drop off

To decline or decrease significantly in amount, level, or intensity.

For instance, “The number of volunteers dropped off after the initial excitement wore off.”
In a discussion about website traffic, someone might say, “Our page views have been dropping off steadily.”
A teacher might notice a drop-off in student engagement and comment, “Class participation has been dropping off lately.”

5. Shrink

To become smaller or less in size, amount, or intensity.

For example, “The company had to shrink its workforce due to budget cuts.”
In a conversation about population, one might say, “The number of residents in the town has been shrinking over the years.”
A person discussing a shrinking market might comment, “The demand for this product has been shrinking as consumers shift to alternative options.”

6. Dwindle

Dwindle means to gradually become smaller, weaker, or less in number or intensity. It is often used to describe a gradual decrease or decline in something.

For example, “The crowd slowly dwindled as the concert went on.”
A person might say, “My savings have been dwindling since I lost my job.”
Another might say, “The support for the candidate began to dwindle after the scandal broke.”

7. Taper off

Taper off means to gradually decrease in amount, intensity, or degree. It is often used to describe a gradual reduction or decline in something.

For instance, “The rain started to taper off after a heavy downpour.”
A person might say, “I’ve been trying to taper off my caffeine intake.”
Another might say, “The demand for the product is expected to taper off in the coming months.”

8. Slide

Slide means to decrease or decline gradually. It is often used to describe a downward trend or a gradual decrease in something.

For example, “The company’s stock value has been sliding for the past month.”
A person might say, “I can feel my energy levels sliding as the day goes on.”
Another might say, “The temperature is expected to slide below freezing tonight.”

9. Decline

Decline means to become smaller, weaker, or less in value, quantity, or quality. It is often used to describe a decrease or reduction in something.

For instance, “The demand for the product has been declining steadily.”
A person might say, “I’ve noticed a decline in the quality of their customer service.”
Another might say, “The population of the species is in rapid decline.”

10. Ebb

Ebb means to gradually decrease or recede, especially in intensity or strength. It is often used to describe a gradual decrease or decline in something.

For example, “The tide began to ebb, revealing the seashells on the shore.”
A person might say, “My enthusiasm for the project has started to ebb.”
Another might say, “The popularity of the trend is expected to ebb in the coming months.”

11. Diminish

Diminish means to make or become smaller or less in size, importance, or intensity. It is often used to describe a gradual or subtle decrease in something.

For example, “The company’s profits have been diminishing over the past few years.”
A person might say, “My interest in that TV show started to diminish after the second season.”
In a sports context, a coach might say, “Our team needs to step up their game or our chances of winning will diminish.”

12. Swoon

Swoon is a slang term used to describe the act of feeling overwhelmed or fainting due to strong emotions, such as admiration or infatuation. It can also be used to describe a sudden and dramatic decrease in something.

For instance, “She swooned when she saw her favorite celebrity in person.”
A person might say, “I swooned over that dress in the store, but it was way out of my budget.”
In a business context, someone might exclaim, “The stock market swooned after the negative economic report was released.”

13. Fade

Fade means to gradually disappear or become less visible, audible, or noticeable. It can also refer to a decrease in intensity or prominence.

For example, “The colors on the painting have started to fade over time.”
A person might say, “My memory of that event is starting to fade.”
In a music context, someone might comment, “The song fades out at the end, creating a sense of closure.”

14. Weaken

Weaken means to become less strong or powerful. It can also describe a decrease in physical or mental capability.

For instance, “The athlete’s performance weakened after an injury.”
A person might say, “Stress can weaken the immune system.”
In a political context, someone might argue, “The scandal weakened the candidate’s chances of winning the election.”

15. Tail off

Tail off means to gradually decrease or diminish in intensity, volume, or amount. It is often used to describe a gradual decline or tapering off of something.

For example, “The rain started to tail off in the afternoon.”
A person might say, “The crowd’s enthusiasm for the concert began to tail off as it went on.”
In a business context, someone might comment, “The demand for that product has been tailing off in recent months.”

16. Slacken

Slacken is a slang term used to describe the act of slowing down or reducing something. It can refer to a decrease in speed, intensity, or activity.

For example, “The rain started to slacken, and the storm began to calm down.”
In a discussion about work, someone might say, “I need to slacken my pace and take a break.”
A person talking about a declining economy might mention, “The demand for luxury goods has slackened in recent months.”

17. Wane

Wane is a slang term that means to gradually decrease or diminish. It often refers to a decline in size, intensity, or influence.

For instance, “As the sun set, the light began to wane.”
In a conversation about popularity, someone might say, “His fame has started to wane in recent years.”
A person discussing a fading trend might mention, “The popularity of that fashion style is waning.”

18. Tumble

Tumble is a slang term used to describe a sudden and significant decrease or drop. It can refer to a decline in value, prices, or performance.

For example, “The stock market tumbled after the announcement of the company’s bankruptcy.”
In a discussion about grades, someone might say, “My GPA took a tumble after I failed that exam.”
A person talking about a sudden decrease in website traffic might mention, “Our website’s visitors have tumbled since the algorithm change.”

19. Erode

Erode is a slang term that means to gradually wear away or diminish. It often refers to a slow and steady decrease or deterioration.

For instance, “The constant exposure to water eroded the rock over time.”
In a conversation about trust, someone might say, “His lies eroded my faith in him.”
A person discussing the effects of climate change might mention, “Coastal areas are eroding due to rising sea levels.”

20. Recede

Recede is a slang term used to describe the act of moving back or retreating. It can refer to a decrease in distance, volume, or prominence.

For example, “The floodwaters started to recede after days of heavy rain.”
In a discussion about hairline, someone might say, “His hairline is receding as he gets older.”
A person talking about memories might mention, “As time passes, certain details of events recede into the background.”

21. Dampen

Dampen is often used to describe reducing the impact or effect of something.

For example, “The rain dampened the mood of the outdoor party.”
A person might say, “I tried to dampen the noise by putting a rug on the floor.”
In a discussion about economic growth, someone might mention, “The recent recession dampened consumer spending.”

22. Flag

Flag is often used to describe a decrease in energy, enthusiasm, or activity.

For instance, “As the marathon went on, his energy started to flag.”
A person might say, “My motivation has been flagging lately, and I need to find ways to stay focused.”
In a conversation about productivity, someone might mention, “If your energy levels flag, take a short break to recharge.”

23. Subside

Subside is often used to describe a decrease in intensity, such as pain, emotions, or physical symptoms.

For example, “After taking medication, the headache started to subside.”
A person might say, “I need some time alone for my anger to subside.”
In a discussion about flooding, someone might mention, “Once the rain stopped, the water levels subsided.”

24. Shave off

Shave off is often used to describe a small decrease or reduction in something.

For instance, “He shaved off a few seconds from his running time.”
A person might say, “I need to shave off a few pounds before my vacation.”
In a conversation about expenses, someone might mention, “We need to shave off some unnecessary costs to stay within budget.”

25. Soften

Soften is often used to describe reducing the impact or intensity of something.

For example, “She tried to soften the blow by delivering the bad news gently.”
A person might say, “I need to soften my approach when giving feedback to my team.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might mention, “Couples need to learn how to soften their communication to avoid conflicts.”

26. Curtail

To reduce or limit something in quantity or extent. “Curtail” is often used to describe a deliberate action taken to decrease something.

For example, in a budget discussion, someone might suggest, “We need to curtail our spending in order to save money.”
In a conversation about environmental conservation, a person might say, “We should curtail our use of plastic to reduce waste.”
A manager might instruct their team, “We need to curtail our meeting time to increase productivity.”

27. Minimize

To decrease or make something as small as possible. “Minimize” is often used to describe the act of reducing something to the smallest or least significant amount.

For instance, in a presentation, a speaker might say, “We need to minimize our expenses in order to maximize profits.”
In a discussion about risks, someone might advise, “Minimize your exposure to potential hazards.”
A person might suggest, “To minimize stress, try practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques.”

28. Scale back

To decrease or reduce the size, quantity, or extent of something. “Scale back” is often used to describe a process of reducing something gradually or proportionally.

For example, in a business context, a company might decide to “scale back” its operations due to financial constraints.
In a conversation about a project, someone might suggest, “Let’s scale back the scope to meet the deadline.”
A person discussing their lifestyle changes might say, “I’ve decided to scale back my commitments to focus on my mental health.”

29. Deplete

To lessen or reduce the quantity or supply of something. “Deplete” is often used to describe the act of using up or consuming a resource to the point of exhaustion.

For instance, in a discussion about natural resources, someone might say, “We need to be mindful of our water usage to avoid depleting our reserves.”
In a conversation about energy conservation, a person might suggest, “Turn off lights when not in use to deplete less energy.”
A manager might warn their team, “Continued overwork will deplete your energy and lead to burnout.”

30. Quell

To calm or reduce something, especially a feeling or an uprising, through forceful or authoritative action. “Quell” is often used to describe the act of suppressing or extinguishing something.

For example, in a protest, law enforcement might be called in to “quell” the crowd and restore order.
In a conversation about anxiety, someone might say, “Deep breathing exercises can help quell feelings of panic.”
A person discussing conflicts might suggest, “Open communication and empathy can quell tensions in a relationship.”

31. Cut back

To decrease the amount or frequency of something. “Cut back” is often used to describe reducing consumption or spending.

For example, if someone is trying to save money, they might say, “I need to cut back on eating out.”
A person discussing their health goals might say, “I’m trying to cut back on sugar.”
In a conversation about environmental sustainability, someone might mention, “We should all cut back on single-use plastics.”

32. Damp down

To reduce the intensity or force of something, often used to describe controlling emotions or minimizing a situation.

For instance, if someone is feeling angry, they might say, “I need to damp down my anger before I say something I regret.”
In a discussion about a conflict, someone might suggest, “We need to damp down the tension and find a peaceful resolution.”
A person might reflect on their own behavior and say, “I need to damp down my impulsive tendencies.”

33. Taper

To gradually decrease the amount, intensity, or frequency of something. “Taper” often implies a gradual and controlled reduction.

For example, if someone is training for a marathon, they might say, “I need to taper my running mileage leading up to the race.”
A person discussing their medication might say, “I’m working with my doctor to taper off my medication.”
In a conversation about workload, someone might suggest, “Let’s taper our hours as the project nears completion.”

34. Pare down

To reduce or simplify something by removing unnecessary or excessive parts. “Pare down” often implies a careful and deliberate process of elimination.

For instance, if someone is decluttering their home, they might say, “I need to pare down my belongings.”
In a discussion about a business strategy, someone might suggest, “We need to pare down our product offerings to focus on our core strengths.”
A person might reflect on their commitments and say, “I need to pare down my schedule to prioritize what’s most important.”

35. Ease off

To reduce or lessen the intensity, pressure, or force of something. “Ease off” often implies a gradual and gentle reduction.

For example, if someone is feeling stressed, they might say, “I need to ease off and take some time for self-care.”
A person discussing their workload might say, “I hope things ease off after this busy period.”
In a conversation about physical exertion, someone might suggest, “You should ease off and give your body a chance to rest.”

36. Shrinkage

Shrinkage refers to a decrease in size or amount of something.

For example, “The company experienced shrinkage in sales during the recession.”
In a discussion about global warming, someone might say, “The shrinkage of polar ice caps is a major concern.”
A person might comment on their weight loss journey, “I’ve noticed shrinkage in my waistline since starting my fitness routine.”

37. Slump

Slump refers to a significant decline or decrease in something.

For instance, “The economy is currently in a slump.”
In a sports context, someone might say, “The team is in a slump, losing several games in a row.”
A person might describe their mood, “I’ve been in a slump lately, feeling unmotivated and down.”

38. Constrict

Constrict means to tighten or limit something.

For example, “The new regulations will constrict the company’s ability to expand.”
In a discussion about blood vessels, someone might say, “When constricted, blood vessels can cause high blood pressure.”
A person might describe their financial situation, “I feel constricted by my student loan debt, limiting my ability to save.”

39. Flagging

Flagging refers to losing strength or energy.

For instance, “The team’s performance has been flagging in recent matches.”
In a discussion about productivity, someone might say, “I’ve been feeling flagging at work, struggling to stay focused.”
A person might comment on their health, “I’ve been experiencing flagging energy levels lately, feeling tired all the time.”

40. Drop

Drop refers to a decrease or fall in something.

For example, “There was a drop in temperature overnight.”
In a discussion about stock prices, someone might say, “The company’s shares experienced a significant drop.”
A person might talk about their grades, “I had a drop in my grades this semester, struggling with the coursework.”

41. Downturn

Downturn refers to a significant decrease or decline in something, such as the economy or a business.

For example, “The stock market experienced a major downturn.”
A news headline might read, “Retail sales show a downturn for the third consecutive month.”
In a discussion about job opportunities, someone might say, “The pandemic has caused a downturn in hiring.”

42. Contract

Contract, in the context of decrease, means to shrink or reduce in size, quantity, or scope.

For instance, “The company decided to contract its operations in order to cut costs.”
A person might say, “My muscles contract when I’m cold.”
In a conversation about business, someone might mention, “We need to contract our product line to focus on our core offerings.”

43. Descend

Descend refers to the act of going down or dropping from a higher position to a lower position.

For example, “The airplane began to descend for landing.”
A person might say, “The temperature will descend to freezing tonight.”
In a discussion about mountain climbing, someone might mention, “We had to descend quickly due to an approaching storm.”

44. Taper down

Taper down means to gradually decrease or reduce something over time.

For instance, “The doctor advised me to taper down my medication.”
A person might say, “I need to taper down my caffeine intake.”
In a conversation about training for a marathon, someone might mention, “I’m going to taper down my mileage in the weeks leading up to the race.”

45. Dim

Dim refers to the act of growing faint or becoming less bright. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate a decrease in something.

For example, “The lights in the room began to dim.”
A person might say, “My enthusiasm for the project is starting to dim.”
In a discussion about memory, someone might mention, “My recollection of that event has dimmed over time.”

46. Deflate

To reduce or decrease something, often used in the context of reducing the value or importance of something. The term “deflate” is often used metaphorically.

For example, “The scandal deflated the politician’s popularity.”
In a discussion about the economy, someone might say, “The stock market crash deflated investor confidence.”
A sports commentator might say, “The team’s loss deflated their chances of making it to the playoffs.”

47. Ease up

To decrease in intensity or severity, often used in the context of reducing pressure, stress, or tension. The term “ease up” implies a gradual decrease or relaxation.

For instance, “I need to ease up on my workload before I burn out.”
In a conversation about someone’s strict parenting style, one might say, “They need to ease up on their kids.”
A person talking about a difficult situation might say, “I hope things ease up soon.”

48. Reduce

To make something smaller, lesser, or decrease in quantity or size. The term “reduce” is a general term for decreasing something.

For example, “I need to reduce my sugar intake for better health.”
In a discussion about environmental conservation, someone might say, “We need to reduce our carbon emissions to combat climate change.”
A chef might say, “Reduce the sauce by simmering it for a longer time.”

49. Scale down

To decrease the size, scope, or extent of something, often used in the context of reducing expenses or operations. The term “scale down” implies a proportional decrease.

For instance, “The company had to scale down its workforce due to financial difficulties.”
In a conversation about home renovations, someone might say, “We decided to scale down our plans to stay within budget.”
A person discussing their lifestyle changes might say, “I’ve scaled down my possessions and embraced minimalism.”

50. Trim

To reduce or remove excess or unnecessary parts, often used in the context of reducing expenses, weight, or size. The term “trim” implies removing the excess.

For example, “I need to trim my budget to save more money.”
In a discussion about weight loss, someone might say, “I’ve been trimming down by eating healthier and exercising regularly.”
A gardener might say, “I need to trim the bushes to keep them neat and tidy.”

51. De-escalate

To de-escalate means to reduce tension or conflict in a situation. It is often used in reference to calming down a potentially volatile situation.

For example, a police officer might try to de-escalate a tense confrontation by speaking calmly and listening to the person’s concerns.
In a heated argument, one person might say, “Let’s try to de-escalate the situation and find a peaceful resolution.”
During a negotiation, someone might suggest, “We need to de-escalate the tension and find common ground.”

52. Let up

To let up means to ease or diminish in intensity or severity. It is often used to describe a decrease in something, such as bad weather or a difficult situation.

For instance, during a storm, the rain might let up, meaning it becomes less heavy or stops completely.
In a challenging work project, someone might say, “I hope the workload lets up soon.”
If someone is constantly criticizing another person, they might be told, “You need to let up and give them a break.”

53. Back off

To back off means to withdraw or retreat from a situation. It is often used to describe someone reducing their involvement or aggression in a conflict or confrontation.

For example, if two people are arguing, one might say, “Just back off and give me some space.”
In a competitive game, a player might be told, “Back off and let someone else take the lead.”
If someone is being overly pushy or aggressive, they might be warned, “You need to back off before you make things worse.”

54. Die down

To die down means to subside or decrease in intensity. It is often used to describe a decrease in noise, activity, or emotion.

For instance, after a busy day at work, the office might start to die down as people leave for the day.
In a heated argument, someone might say, “Let’s wait until things die down before we continue the discussion.”
If a storm is raging, someone might say, “I hope it starts to die down soon.”

55. Squeeze

To squeeze means to reduce or limit something. It is often used to describe a decrease in available resources or opportunities.

For example, if a company is facing financial difficulties, they might have to squeeze their budget and cut back on expenses.
In a crowded room, someone might say, “Can you squeeze in a little closer so we can fit more people?”
If someone is trying to fit a lot of tasks into a short amount of time, they might say, “I’m really squeezing in my schedule today.”

56. Take a nosedive

This phrase refers to a sharp and rapid decrease in something, often used to describe a decline in value, performance, or success.

For example, “After the scandal broke, the company’s stock took a nosedive.”
In a sports context, one might say, “The team’s performance took a nosedive after their star player got injured.”
A person discussing a failed business venture might say, “Our sales took a nosedive and we had to close down.”

57. Go down

This phrase is a simple and informal way to describe a decrease or decline in something.

For instance, “The temperature is going down, so bring a jacket.”
In a financial context, one might say, “The stock prices went down after the market crash.”
A person discussing a failed relationship might say, “Things started to go down between us after that argument.”

58. Sink

This term is used to describe a gradual or steady decrease or decline in something.

For example, “The company’s profits sank after the new competitor entered the market.”
In a conversation about a failing project, one might say, “Despite our efforts, the project sank and was eventually discontinued.”
A person discussing their mood might say, “I felt myself sinking into sadness as the day went on.”

59. Swoop down

This phrase is used to describe a sudden and unexpected decrease in something, often with a sense of urgency or intensity.

For instance, “The prices of the airline tickets swooped down, and I managed to get a great deal.”
In a conversation about a sudden drop in sales, one might say, “Our revenue swooped down after the new competitor launched their product.”
A person discussing a sudden change in their health might say, “My energy levels swooped down, and I couldn’t keep up with my usual activities.”

60. Wind down

This phrase is used to describe a gradual decrease or decline in something, often with a sense of relaxation or winding down.

For example, “After a long day at work, I like to wind down by taking a hot bath.”
In a conversation about the end of a busy event, one might say, “As the night went on, the party started to wind down.”
A person discussing the end of a project might say, “We’re winding down the final tasks before the deadline.”

61. Slack off

This phrase is used to describe someone who is not working as hard or putting in as much effort as they should be. It implies a decrease in productivity or performance.

For example, “I need to stop slacking off and get back to work.”
A teacher might say to a student, “You need to stop slacking off and start studying.”
In a conversation about work habits, someone might comment, “I’ve noticed that John tends to slack off in the afternoon.”

62. Take a dive

This phrase is often used to describe a sudden and significant decrease in something, such as the value of a stock, the performance of a team, or the quality of a product.

For instance, “The company’s stock took a dive after the announcement.”
A sports commentator might say, “The team took a dive in the second half of the game.”
In a discussion about car reliability, someone might mention, “I heard that model tends to take a dive after a few years.”

63. Cool off

This phrase is used to describe a decrease in intensity or anger. It implies a calming or cooling down of emotions.

For example, “I need to take a walk to cool off after that argument.”
A parent might say to a child, “Go to your room and cool off before we talk.”
In a discussion about a heated debate, someone might suggest, “Let’s take a break to cool off before continuing.”

64. Go south

This phrase is used to describe a decrease or decline in something, often in a negative or unfavorable way. It implies a downward trend or movement.

For instance, “The company’s profits have been going south for the past few quarters.”
A real estate agent might say, “The housing market in that area is going south.”
In a conversation about a failing relationship, someone might comment, “Things started going south after they stopped communicating.”

65. Lower

This term is used to describe the act of decreasing or bringing down something, such as a price, a temperature, or a level.

For example, “The store lowered the price of the item to attract more customers.”
A weather forecast might say, “Temperatures will lower throughout the week.”
In a discussion about reducing expenses, someone might suggest, “We need to lower our monthly bills to save money.”