Dwindling
ˈdwɪndlɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo become smaller or less; to shrink or diminish.
ˈdwɪndəl
To gradually diminish in size, amount, or strength.
The population of the village is dwindling.
💡 Simply: Imagine your favorite snack—like a bag of chips—slowly disappearing as you eat them. That's dwindling! It means something is getting smaller and smaller until there's less and less left.
👶 For kids: To get smaller and smaller, like when you eat all your cookies!
More Examples
The amount of water in the lake is dwindling during the summer.
Her patience was dwindling as she waited for the bus.
How It's Used
"As the company faced bankruptcy, its profits began dwindling."
"The dwindling polar ice caps are a concern for climate scientists."
Becoming gradually less.
ˈdwɪndlɪŋ
Becoming gradually smaller or less.
The dwindling forest cover is a major concern.
💡 Simply: Like your piggy bank when you're spending your savings, 'dwindling' describes things that are gradually becoming less than what they once were.
👶 For kids: Getting smaller and smaller!
More Examples
We were alarmed by the dwindling sales figures.
With dwindling hope, she decided to change her strategy.
How It's Used
"The dwindling supply of food became a serious problem."
"The company faced challenges due to dwindling resources."
From Middle English *dwinen*, meaning 'to waste away, pine,' from Old English *dwīnan*.
The word 'dwindle' has been used since the 14th century, often to describe a gradual lessening or decay. Early examples appear in religious and moral contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a tiny candle flame gradually dying down. Dwindling is like that flame.
Word Origin
"to waste away, pine"