Decrease Meaning
Decrease Definition & Usage
To make or become smaller, fewer, or less in amount, degree, or intensity.
Examples
- "The company has successfully decreased its carbon emissions over the last decade."
- "With the new health initiative, childhood obesity rates have significantly decreased."
- "My energy levels tend to decrease in the afternoon after a long meeting."
- "The population of the small town decreased rapidly as young people moved to the city for work."
- "As the sun set, the temperature began to decrease, signaling the arrival of night."
The process or action of becoming smaller, fewer, or less.
Examples
- "There has been a steady decrease in the number of students applying for this major."
- "The decrease in sales has prompted the company to rethink its marketing strategy."
- "A decrease in available resources could lead to significant problems in the future."
- "The local government is concerned about the decrease in unemployment rates, which may indicate an economic downturn."
- "The rapid decrease in the availability of affordable housing is worrying many families."
Cultural Context
The concept of 'decrease' is a fundamental part of economic, environmental, and social discourse. It often signals a change that requires action, whether it is a decrease in market demand, a reduction in natural resources, or a decline in population.
The Steady Decrease
Story
The Steady Decrease
The small town of Oakridge had always prided itself on its community spirit. But lately, things had changed. The town’s population was steadily decreasing, and many shops were now closed, their windows dusty and forgotten. Emma, a lifelong resident, sat on the porch of her family’s home, gazing out at the empty streets. 'Do you think we’ll ever see this place come back to life?' she asked her brother, who was visiting from the city. Mark glanced over at her, his eyes reflecting the weight of the question. 'The town’s been decreasing in size for years, Emma. I don’t think it’s just the people leaving, it’s everything else that’s been disappearing with them—jobs, businesses, even the schools are down to just a handful of students.' 'But what if we do something about it?' Emma persisted. She had always been an optimist, convinced that things could change for the better. 'What if we start by decreasing the barriers for new businesses to come here? Tax breaks, incentives, more resources for entrepreneurs…' Mark sighed. 'It’s not just about making things easier for people. There’s a bigger decrease in interest. People don’t want to move to a town that feels empty. You can reduce taxes, but it won’t bring in new residents unless something shifts in the heart of this town.' Emma was quiet for a moment, then stood up. 'Then I guess we’ll have to decrease our own doubts first, and start rebuilding one small step at a time.' Together, they set out to bring life back to Oakridge, starting with the very first shop that had closed down—a small bookstore that once had been the heart of the town. As they worked, they learned that sometimes, the decrease in one thing could lead to the gradual increase of something else, if they were willing to make the effort. The town didn’t transform overnight, but with each small step, the decrease in its population slowed, and new faces began to appear.
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