In the IELTS exam, especially Writing Task 1, your ability to analyze trends and describe changes in charts or processes accurately and with a wide range of vocabulary is essential for a high score. One of the most frequently used verbs in this context is “decrease”, which is used to describe a reduction in quantity or level. So, what exactly does decrease mean, how is it used in IELTS Writing, and what are its synonyms to make your writing more academic and varied? Let’s explore with IDP.
1. What Does “Decrease” Mean in IELTS?
Decrease means to go down, reduce, or decline in number, size, intensity, or level.
In IELTS, especially in Writing Task 1, decrease is used as both a verb and a noun to describe trends in visual data such as line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, or tables.
Examples:
The number of students enrolled in humanities courses has decreased significantly over the past decade.
The chart shows a gradual decrease in sales from 2010 to 2015.
2. How to Use “Decrease” in IELTS Writing Task 1
In IELTS Writing Task 1, you are required to describe visual information clearly and accurately. Using decrease is essential when explaining a downward trend or reduction in values over time or across categories. Here's how you can apply it:
As a Verb
Decrease is commonly used as an intransitive verb (does not require an object) in IELTS.
Structure: S + decrease + adverb + (preposition) + (value/time/location)
Examples:
The number of students decreased significantly from 2000 to 2010.
The unemployment rate decreased sharply in the last quarter.
As a Noun
Decrease can also be a noun describing the act or result of reducing.
Structure: There was a/an + adjective + decrease + in + subject + (from X to Y)
Examples:
There was a slight decrease in the consumption of red meat between 1990 and 2000.
The graph shows a gradual decrease in carbon emissions over the past decade.
Combine with Adjectives and Adverbs to Show Degree and Speed
To make your writing more precise, combine decrease with modifiers:
Describing Degree:
Adjective (noun) | Adverb (verb) |
|---|---|
Significant / Substantial / Considerable | Significantly / Substantially / Considerably |
Slight / Modest / Marginal | Slightly / Modestly / Marginally |
Dramatic / Sharp / Steep | Dramatically / Sharply / Steeply |
Gradual / Steady | Gradually / Steadily |
Examples:
There was a slight decrease in the average temperature.
The number of students choosing arts subjects decreased dramatically.
Describing Speed:
Adjective | Adverb |
|---|---|
Rapid / Quick / Swift | Rapidly / Quickly / Swiftly |
Sudden / Abrupt | Suddenly / Abruptly |
Gradual / Slow | Gradually / Slowly |
Examples:
Sales of CDs decreased rapidly over the past five years.
There was a sudden decrease in the stock market.
3. Synonyms and Antonyms of “Decrease” for IELTS Writing
Using a wide range of vocabulary is key to scoring well under Lexical Resource. Here are some powerful synonyms and antonyms you can use instead of "decrease":
Synonyms (Verbs)
Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Fall | General drop | Visitor numbers fell from 100,000 to 80,000. |
Drop | Sudden decline | Sales dropped dramatically in Q4. |
Decline | Gradual decrease | The birth rate has been declining steadily. |
Go down | To reduce (informal) | The temperature went down overnight. |
Plummet | Sharp, sudden fall | The stock price plummeted after the news. |
Lessen | To reduce intensity | They tried to lessen the storm’s impact. |
Dip | Small, short-term fall | There was a slight dip in June profits. |
Shrink | To reduce in size/scale | The company’s profits shrank by 15%. |
Synonyms (Nouns)
Noun | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
A fall | A general decrease | A significant fall in tourism was recorded. |
A drop | Sudden decrease | A sharp drop in profits occurred in March. |
A decline | A downward trend | The report showed a steady decline in trust. |
A reduction | Cut in amount or level | There was a 10% reduction in workforce. |
A plummet | A steep fall | A sudden plummet in value hit the market. |
A downward trend | Ongoing decline | The chart shows a downward trend. |
A contraction | Shrinkage in size/economy | The economy faced a contraction last quarter. |
Antonyms (Verbs – Increase)
Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Increase | General growth | Population increased rapidly. |
Rise | To go up | Unemployment rose sharply in 2008. |
Soar | Rapid and high rise | Shares soared to record levels. |
Grow | To develop or expand | Revenue grew steadily year by year. |
Climb | To go up gradually | The price of gold climbed gradually. |
Surge | A sudden and strong rise | Demand surged unexpectedly. |
Antonyms (Nouns – Growth)
Noun | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
An increase | General rise | There was a slight increase in sales. |
A rise | Upward movement | A sharp rise in fuel prices occurred. |
Growth | Expansion or development | Steady economic growth was recorded. |
A climb | Gradual rise | A climb in consumer spending is shown. |
A spike | Sharp, sudden rise | A spike in interest rates was noted. |
A jump | Sudden leap or rise | There was a jump in unemployment figures. |
4. . Tips for Using “Decrease” in IELTS Writing
Understand the Part of Speech
Make sure you’re using decrease correctly as either a verb or a noun.
✅ The sales decreased. (Verb)
✅ There was a decrease in sales. (Noun)
❌ The sales was decrease.
❌ There decreased in sales.
Combine with Adverbs and Adjectives
Use adverbs with verbs and adjectives with nouns to express degree accurately.
Sales fell sharply in the last quarter.
There was a gradual decline in oil production.
Avoid Repetition
To score high in Lexical Resource, avoid overusing one word. Vary your vocabulary:
❌ The number of students decreased in 2010. Then it decreased again in 2011.
✅ The number of students fell in 2010 and dropped further in 2011.
5. Practice Exercises on “Decrease” and Its Synonyms
Exercise 1: Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
The population of the city has been __________ steadily over the last decade. a) increasing b) growing c) decreasing d) soaring
There was a __________ in the number of tourists last year due to the pandemic. a) rise b) growth c) decline d) surge
Sales of landline phones have __________ dramatically since mobile phones emerged. a) rocketed b) plummeted c) climbed d) expanded
The company aims to __________ its carbon footprint by 20% by 2030. a) increase b) reduce c) amplify d) magnify
After the policy was implemented, unemployment figures __________ to an all-time low. a) rose b) fell c) grew d) soared
Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences using the word in parentheses.
The number of students studying arts subjects went down significantly. (decrease) → The number of students studying arts subjects decreased significantly.
There was a sharp fall in the company's profits. (drop) → There was a sharp drop in the company’s profits.
The average temperature declined gradually over the century. (gradual decline) → There was a gradual decline in the average temperature.
The cost of living has been reduced by 5% this year. (reduction) → There has been a 5% reduction in the cost of living.
The sales of printed books have dropped rapidly. (rapid drop) → There has been a rapid drop in printed book sales.
Expand Your IELTS Vocabulary with “Decrease” and Its Synonyms
Mastering how to use decrease and its synonyms is crucial for achieving a high score in IELTS Writing Task 1. Using a variety of accurate expressions shows strong lexical flexibility and enhances the academic tone of your writing.
If you're preparing for the IELTS exam, IDP is a trusted co-owner and test provider worldwide. With modern test centers, flexible schedules, and professional support, IDP offers a seamless IELTS test experience.
✅ Flexible test dates – available multiple times per week ✅ Convenient test locations in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and more ✅ Fast results with computer-based IELTS
Check the IELTS test schedule and register with IDP today!