To gradually decrease, diminish, or fade until almost nothing remains
Slowly get smaller, quieter, or less common over time
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
(Of a quantity, level, or amount) To gradually decrease or decline over a period of time
"Sales were strong in January but began to tail off by March."
Donations tend to tail off after the initial publicity fades.
— The Guardian, 2015
(Of sound, speech, or enthusiasm) To gradually become quieter, weaker, or less intense
"His explanation tailed off into silence when he realized he had no idea what he was talking about."
A tail that trails off into the distance — the image of something diminishing like a receding tail.
Slowly get smaller, quieter, or less common over time
Common in journalism, business reporting, and everyday speech. Used for statistics, sound, performance, enthusiasm, and interest. The image is of a tail trailing off into nothing. Often used in sports and economics reporting.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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