decreasing
UK: dɪˈkriːsɪŋ | US: dɪˈkriːsɪŋ
adj. becoming less or smaller in quantity, intensity, or degree
v. (present participle of decrease) to make or become less
The word "decrease" originates from Latin decrescere, combining de- (indicating reversal or reduction) and crescere (to grow). The morpheme crease preserves the Latin root crescere, which also appears in words like "crescent" (growing moon) and "increase." Over time, "decrease" evolved in Middle English to signify a diminishing action or state. The suffix -ing marks its present participle form, used as an adjective or verb.
The decreasing temperature signaled the arrival of winter.
The company focused on decreasing production costs.
Her interest in the project has been steadily decreasing.
The graph shows a decreasing trend in sales.
Decreasing pollution levels improved air quality.