dwindle

[dwin-dl]

verb (used without object)

dwindled, dwindling 

1. to become smaller and smaller; shrink; waste away.

   His vast fortune has dwindled away.

   Synonyms: wane, lessen, decline, diminish
   Antonyms: increase

2. to fall away, as in quality; degenerate.

verb (used with object)

dwindled, dwindling 

1. to make smaller and smaller; cause to shrink.

   Failing health dwindles ambition.

   Synonyms: lessen
   Antonyms: magnify

dwindle

/ ˈdwɪndəl /

verb

1. to grow or cause to grow less in size, intensity, or number; diminish or shrink gradually

Other Word Forms

• undwindling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dwindle¹

1590–1600; dwine (now dial.) to waste away ( Middle English; Old English dwīnan; cognate with Middle Dutch dwīnen to languish, Old Norse dvīna to pine away) + -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of dwindle¹

C16: from Old English dwīnan to waste away; related to Old Norse dvīna to pine away

Synonym Study

See decrease.

Example Sentences

For many Parsis, it has offered a window into the goings-on in the community, helping members across the world feel connected and seen as their numbers dwindled and dispersed.

From BBC

Smith said he believes the number of residents has now dwindled to less than half that.

From Los Angeles Times

As the week drags on, expected high temperatures will slowly dwindle, but don’t shrug at the anticipated 89 degrees on Saturday and Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times

Was there a risk his value would only dwindle further if he stayed on the sidelines?

From BBC

Audiences have dwindled, streaming has upended viewing habits and the pandemic and Hollywood strikes have rattled the industry, leaving even the most glamorous events to fight for their place on the cultural calendar.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abate 
• decay 
• decline 
• decrease 
• die down 
• diminish 
• drop 
• ebb 
• fade 
• fall 
• lessen 
• peter out 
• shrink 
• shrivel 
• sink 
• subside 
• wane 
• weaken 
• wither