Need to sound more professional when talking about numbers, trends, or performance drops at work? In this 5-minute Business English lesson, I’ll teach you 8 smart, professional ways to say “decrease” — with clear examples and the best contexts to use each phrase in meetings, presentations, reports, and emails. These alternatives are perfect for data analysis, economic trends, KPI reviews, investor updates, or explaining a performance dip at work — without sounding negative or repetitive. Speak like a pro with better vocabulary, diplomatic phrasing, and the exact tone your situation needs.
TOP Synonyms for Decrease:
We’ve seen a dip
Mild and neutral – good for minor drops or temporary declines
There’s been a slight downturn
Professional and soft – ideal for early signs of negative trends Performance has slipped Honest and constructive – useful for team evaluations or KPI reviews
There’s been a drop-off
Casual and clear – great for engagement or user activity reports
We’re seeing a slowdown
Measured and analytical – often used in economic or sales contexts
The results have softened
Subtle and diplomatic – ideal for investor or stakeholder reports
We’ve lost some momentum
Candid and forward-looking, good for motivating a shift in strategy
There’s been a reduction in…
Precise and neutral – useful for reporting cost cuts, headcount, or inventory
WANT MORE? Check out my 5-star rated Business English books on Amazon: The Ultimate A–Z of Business English Idioms The Ultimate A–Z of Business English Phrasal Verbs (links above)
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This video is for you if you: Write or speak about numbers and trends in English Work in business, sales, HR, marketing, or data analytics Present KPIs, reports, or company performance Want to speak more fluently and sound more natural in English.
Happy learning! Melissa B. Duarte
DUARTE BUSINESS ENGLISH 