dwindle — to gradually become smaller, fewer, or less; to diminish steadily
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to gradually become smaller, fewer, or less; to diminish steadily
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdwɪndəl/
Example Sentences
- My motivation to exercise dwindles every time I see a pizza commercial.
- The company's profits began to dwindle as customers switched to competitors.
- His patience dwindled to zero when the elevator got stuck for the third time.
dwindle
VERB[/ˈdwɪndəl/]
to gradually become smaller, fewer, or less; to diminish steadily
The village's population dwindled as young people moved to the cities.
The food supplies dwindled after weeks without deliveries. (📉 Decrease + ⏳ Gradually → Dwindle)
As the fire dwindled, she used a spindle to kindle it again.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English 'dwindlen,' possibly derived from Old English 'dwinan' meaning 'to waste away' or 'to dwindle,' with origins in Proto-Germanic roots related to diminishing or fading.
Breakdown
dwinde- (to waste away) + -le (frequentative suffix indicating repeated action) = dwindle (to gradually diminish)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My motivation to exercise dwindles every time I see a pizza commercial.”
“The company's profits began to dwindle as customers switched to competitors.”
“His patience dwindled to zero when the elevator got stuck for the third time.”
“The natural resources of the region have dwindled due to overexploitation.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.