die off
B2 neutral intransitive
In simple words
When the members of a group die, one after another, until very few or none are left.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
Of animals, plants, or people: to die gradually in large numbers, one by one.
"The old generation of jazz musicians has been dying off for decades."
2 B2 neutral
Of a species or population: to decrease steadily in number due to disease, habitat loss, or other threats.
"Bees are dying off at an alarming rate due to pesticide use."
Usage notes
Used for populations, species, generations, or groups. Implies a gradual process of attrition. Slightly less final-sounding than 'die out' — the group may survive in reduced numbers. Common in biology, ecology, and journalism.
Commonly used with
species population generation bees coral elders
Forms
Base
die off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dies off
he/she/it
Past simple
died off
yesterday
Past participle
died off
have + pp
-ing form
diing off
continuous
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