decline /diˈklain/ I.vt.& vi. 1.下降，减少，衰落：Prices on the stock market declined. 股票市场的价格下跌了。 His health was declining. 他的健康每况愈下。［考句］ Last year, the crime rate in Chicago has sharply declined.去年，芝加哥的犯罪率大幅度下降。2. 谢绝，婉言谢绝: decline courteously 有礼貌地谢绝；decline to do sth. 谢绝干某事；decline an invitation 谢绝邀请 ‖II. n.［c］(常用sing.)下降，减少，衰落： the decline of ancient Rome 古罗马的衰亡 There is a sharp decline in interest in sports in our town. 我们镇上的体育热明显下降。 on the decline 在没落中，在衰退中：［考句］Cotton production has been on the decline these years.这些年棉花产量下降了。