decline

1. V-I If something declines, it becomes less in quantity, importance, or strength. 下降

The number of staff has declined from 217,000 to 114,000. 員工人數已從217000人減少到114000人。

Hourly output by workers declined 1.3% in the first quarter. 工人每小時的産量在第1季度下降了1.3%。

2. V-T/V-I If you decline something or decline to do something, you politely refuse to accept it or do it. 謝絕[正式]

He declined their invitation. 他謝絕了他們的邀請。

He offered the boys some coffee. They declined politely. 他要給男孩們來些咖啡。他們禮貌地拒絕了。

3. N-VAR If there is a decline in something, it becomes less in quantity, importance, or quality. 下降

Official figures show a sharp decline in the number of foreign tourists. 官方數字顯示外國遊客數量驟降。

4. PHRASE If something is in decline or on the decline, it is gradually decreasing in importance, quality, or power. 在下降

Thankfully the smoking of cigarettes is on the decline. 感謝的是吸菸正在減少。

5. PHRASE If something goes or falls into decline, it begins to gradually decrease in importance, quality, or power. 開始下降

Libraries are an investment for the future and they should not be allowed to fall into decline. 圖書館是對未來的一種投資，不應該讓圖書館衰落。