What does waning mean?
Waning describes a gradual decrease in size, strength, intensity, popularity, or importance. It is used both adjectivally, as in “waning support,” and as the present participle of the verb “wane,” meaning “to decline” or “grow less.” The word often describes public interest, political influence, enthusiasm, economic activity, light, or other qualities that gradually become weaker. Its connotation is frequently negative because a waning situation suggests loss, disappointment, or reduced relevance, although the word can also describe neutral processes such as the decreasing illumination of the moon. Waning is especially useful when the important feature is not a sudden end but a continuing reduction over time. The related adjective “wan” has long conveyed paleness, weakness, or a faded appearance, while the modern use of “waning” comes from the older verb “wane,” which meant to grow less or dwindle.
Becoming or already becoming smaller, weaker, less intense, less popular, or less important.
"The campaign faced waning support after several public reversals."
The adjective is commonly used before nouns such as interest, support, popularity, influence, enthusiasm, and light.
To become less in size, strength, intensity, popularity, or importance.
"The dispute waned once both sides agreed to meet for further talks."
The verb usually describes a gradual decline and is often used to indicate that interest, influence, enthusiasm, or activity is fading.
A waning moon is a lunar phase in which the visible illuminated portion decreases night after night.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does waning come from?
Waning is the present participle of wane, whose -ing form functions both as a verb form and as an adjective. The base verb appears in Old English as wanian, meaning “to grow less” or “dwindle,” and comes from a Germanic root associated with decrease or deficiency. Its relatives include Dutch wanen and German wahnen, while the English adjective wan, meaning “pale” or “feeble,” comes from the same broad Germanic root.
How waning is actually used
Waning is standard in formal and informal English. It commonly suggests a gradual decline rather than an abrupt disappearance, and it often carries a mildly negative implication when describing interest, support, power, or popularity.
Easily confused with waning
Waning means becoming less, whereas waving means moving a hand, flag, or other object repeatedly from side to side.