What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
descending
Example
The hikers were descending the mountain carefully. [descending: verb]
Example
The prices on the menu were listed in descending order. [descending: adjective]
Example
The number of COVID-19 cases has been descending since the vaccine rollout. [descending: present participle]
decreasing
Example
The company's profits have been decreasing for the past few years. [decreasing: present participle]
Example
The temperature is decreasing as we move into winter. [decreasing: verb]
Example
The number of students in the class has been decreasing steadily. [decreasing: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Decreasing is more commonly used than descending in everyday language. Decreasing is a more general term that can be used in many different contexts, while descending is more specific and limited in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between descending and decreasing?
Both descending and decreasing are neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
