On the wane Meaning in English
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈweɪn
AHN thuh WAYN
ˈɒn/ /ðə, ði/ /wˈeɪn
ON thuh WAYN
Definition
If something is on the wane, it is becoming weaker, less popular, or less important. The expression is often used for trends, power, influence, or popularity that are gradually decreasing.
Usage & Nuances
Primarily formal and written; often appears with abstract nouns (e.g., 'interest on the wane', 'power on the wane'). Used for gradual, not sudden, decline. Related to the moon's waning phase (becoming smaller). Not used for physical size.
Spanish: en declive - en descensoPortuguese (BR): em declínio - em quedaPortuguese (PT): em declínio - em quedaChinese (Simplified): 正在减弱 - 逐渐衰退Chinese (Traditional): 正在減弱 - 逐漸衰退Hindi: पतला पड़ना - घटती स्थिति मेंArabic: في تراجع - في انخفاضBengali: অবনতিতে - ক্ষয়ে যাচ্ছেRussian: идёт на убыль - на спадeJapanese: 衰えつつある - 減少しているVietnamese: đang suy giảm - đang giảm dầnKorean: 쇠퇴하는 중 - 줄어드는 중Turkish: azalmakta - gerilemekteUrdu: کم ہونا - زوال پذیرIndonesian: sedang menurun - sedang merosot
Example Sentences
Interest in that old movie is on the wane.
basic
The company’s profits are on the wane.
basic
Her popularity is on the wane these days.
basic
Some say print newspapers are on the wane in the digital age.
natural
Their influence in the city is definitely on the wane.
natural
Don’t worry—his fever is on the wane now.
natural