Definition

1. Verb:
   • To become gradually less or smaller; to diminish in size, amount, or strength over time. It describes a slow, steady decrease or decline.

Usage

The verb "dwindle" is typically used to describe a process of gradual reduction. It is often followed by adverbs like "away," "down," or "to nothing." It is commonly used with subjects like resources, numbers, populations, hopes, or supplies.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The town's population began to dwindle after the factory closed.
  • Our supplies of food and water are starting to dwindle.
  • Her enthusiasm for the project dwindled as the problems mounted.

Advanced Usage

• "to dwindle away": to gradually disappear or become used up.
  • His inheritance slowly dwindled away over the years.
• "to dwindle down to": to reduce until only a small amount remains.
  • The crowd dwindled down to just a few loyal supporters.

Variants and Related Words

• Dwindling (adj/gerund): the process of becoming smaller or less.
  • The company is concerned about its dwindling profits.

Synonyms

• Diminish: to become or make less.
• Decline: to decrease in strength or quality.
• Shrink: to become smaller in size.
• Wane: to decrease in vigor, power, or extent (often used for the moon or influence).

Phrasal Verbs

• Dwindle away: (see Advanced Usage above).
• Dwindle down: (see Advanced Usage above).

Related Idioms

• To dwindle into insignificance: to become so small or unimportant as to not matter.
  • After the scandal, his political career dwindled into insignificance.

Verb

1. become smaller or lose substance
   • Her savings dwindled down