diminution

diminution
noun
dim·;i·;nu·;tion ;di-m;-;n;-sh;n   also  -;ny;-
Synonyms of diminution
: the act, process, or an instance of becoming gradually less (as in size or importance) : the act, process, or an instance of diminishing : decrease
a diminution in value


Did you know?
In his late 14th century tragic poem Troilus and Criseyde, Geoffrey Chaucer employed the word diminution, contrasting the verb encrece (“increase”) with the phrase “maken dyminucion” (“make diminution”). Like many words Chaucer used, diminution came to English from Anglo-French, and ultimately from the Latin word deminuere, meaning “to diminish,” which is also an ancestor of the English verb diminish. That word entered the language in the 15th century, and the related noun diminishment, a synonym of diminution, was adopted in the 16th century.

Synonyms
decrease
reduction
dent
decline
drop
Examples of diminution in a Sentence
a diminution of 60 percent over the course of the month
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Between the diminution of the room and the presence of the attendees, and the ability to interact with objects in a 3D space, the result is one of being there in the same moment, engaging with the same things.
—Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
There are many worthwhile ways to write about the arts, but her sniping at reviews suggests a faux expansion that would actually be a grave diminution.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 24 July 2025
The demonstrable diminution of Russia’s space-exploration capabilities and plans makes the nation’s need for partnerships all the more urgent—and, some analysts say, all the harder to come by because Russia seemingly has less to offer potential partners.
—Eugene Gerden, Scientific American, 30 June 2025
After noticing a global gap in effective and trusted protection when faced with financial diminution, the company honed in on the product, refining it to meet the needs of employees worldwide.
—Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History
Etymology
Middle English diminucioun, from Anglo-French diminutiun, from Medieval Latin diminution-, diminutio, alteration of Latin deminution-, deminutio, from deminuere "to lessen" — more at diminish

First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of diminution was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century