verb HSK 5
to decline · to wane · to fall into decay
Meaning
衰落 describes the process of declining from a previously strong or prosperous state. It often refers to the deterioration of civilizations, dynasties, industries, or influence over time. The word carries a sense of gradual weakening or deterioration rather than sudden collapse.
Usage
衰落 is typically used in formal or written contexts to describe large-scale decline, such as empires, economies, or cultural influence. It's commonly paired with nouns like 文明 (civilization), 帝国 (empire), or 经济 (economy). The word emphasizes a downward trend from a peak period.
Examples
- 01这个古老的帝国在十八世纪开始衰落。.This ancient empire began to decline in the eighteenth century.
- 02随着新技术的出现，传统产业逐渐衰落了。, .With the emergence of new technology, traditional industries gradually declined.
Characters
Common collocations
- 走向衰落to head toward decline
- 衰落时期period of decline
- 经济衰落economic decline
- 逐渐衰落to gradually decline
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters reinforce the concept of decline: 衰 depicts weakening or deterioration, while 落 means to fall or drop, together emphasizing a downward trajectory.