
dwindling
词源
源自中古英语'dwinen'(意为消失),与古英语'dwīnan'(枯萎)同源,可能与古诺尔斯语'dvína'(浪费 away)有关。
adjective
❶ 逐渐减少或缩小的,指数量、规模或重要性正在持续下降的状态。常用于描述资源、人口或机会等。
“The dwindling water supply forced the village to implement strict rationing.”
(逐渐减少的水资源供应迫使村庄实行严格的配给制度。)
“Her patience was dwindling as the meeting dragged on.”
(随着会议拖延,她的耐心正逐渐消失。)
verb
❶ (现在分词形式)表示正在逐渐变小或减少的动作过程,强调持续性的变化。
“The river is dwindling to a trickle after months without rain.”
(数月无雨后,这条河正逐渐变成细流。)
“Public interest in the scandal is dwindling rapidly.”
(公众对这桩丑闻的兴趣正在迅速减退。)
常见短语
dwindling resources — 指正在不断减少的自然资源或物资,常用于环保或经济语境中。
“The island nation faces challenges due to its dwindling freshwater resources.”
(这个岛国因淡水资源不断减少而面临挑战。)
dwindling chances — 表示机会或可能性正在变小,多用于描述时间紧迫或条件恶化的情境。
“With each failed attempt, their dwindling chances of success became more apparent.”
(随着每次尝试失败,他们成功的机会越来越渺茫。)