decline

To become smaller, fewer, or less; to politely refuse an offer or invitation; to decrease in value or quality.

• decline/dɪˈklaɪn/(n)下降；衰退
• declining/dɪˈklaɪnɪŋ/(adj)下降中的

• decline an offer
• decline to comment
• decline in numbers
• sharp decline
• decline over time
• in decline

1. 1.Membership has declined steadily over the past decade, prompting a review of the organisation's value proposition.
2. 2.She declined to comment on the rumours, referring all enquiries to the press office.

• fall/fɔːl/— move downward
• decrease/dɪˈkriːs/— become less
• refuse/rɪˈfjuːz/— say no to — for the invitation sense

from Latin "declinare" = to bend aside, to avoid