Dwindle Meaning in English
word
ˈdwɪndəɫ
DWIN-duhl
dwˈɪndəl
dwin-DUHL
Definition
To gradually become smaller, fewer, or less.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used in formal or written contexts. Common with uncountable or abstract nouns: 'resources dwindle', 'hope dwindles'. Implies a slow, gradual change rather than an abrupt decrease. Often confused with 'decrease' or 'decline', but 'dwindle' suggests something is running out.
Spanish: disminuir - reducirse - menguarPortuguese (BR): diminuir - reduzirPortuguese (PT): diminuir - reduzirChinese (Simplified): 减少 - 缩小Chinese (Traditional): 減少 - 縮小Hindi: घट जाना - कम होनाArabic: يتضاءل - ينقصBengali: কমে আসা - হ্রাস পাওয়াRussian: уменьшаться - сокращатьсяJapanese: 徐々に減る - だんだん少なくなるVietnamese: giảm dần - hao hụtKorean: 줄어들다 - 점점 줄다Turkish: azalmak - tükenmekUrdu: گھٹنا - کم ہوناIndonesian: berkurang secara bertahap - menipis
Example Sentences
The crowd began to dwindle as the night went on.
basic
Our food supplies will dwindle if we don't find more soon.
basic
Their hope started to dwindle after hearing the bad news.
basic
Interest in the project has dwindled over the last year.
natural
My savings have dwindled after so many unexpected bills.
natural
When resources dwindle, competition between groups increases.
natural