decrement

dec·re·ment

noun \ˈde-krə-mənt\

Definition of DECREMENT

1

: a gradual decrease in quality or quantity

2

a : the quantity lost by diminution or waste b : the amount of decrease (as of a variable)

— dec·re·men·tal \ˌde-krə-ˈmen-t^əl\ adjective

Examples of DECREMENT

1. <each decrement in amount is limited to one third of the previous total>

Origin of DECREMENT

Latin decrementum, from decrescere

First Known Use: 1610

Related to DECREMENT

Synonyms: abatement, decline, decrease, dent, depletion, depression, diminishment, diminution, drop, drop-off, fall, falloff, loss, reduction, shrinkage, step-down

Antonyms: boost, enlargement, gain, increase, increment, raise, rise, step-up, uptick

Related Words: deduction, subtraction; downturn, slip, slump; curtailment, cut, cutback, retrenchment, shortening

Near Antonyms: accretion, accrual, accumulation, addition, supplement; continuation, extension; upswing, uptrend, upturn

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