rückläufig
Translation
declining, decreasing, retrograde
Examples
Die Verkaufszahlen sind rückläufig.
The sales figures are declining.
Die Tendenz ist leider rückläufig.
Unfortunately, the trend is downward.
Grammar Patterns
rückläufig sein to be declining The birth rate is rückläufig.
Similar Words
Synonyms: sinkend (sinking), abnehmend (decreasing); Antonyms: steigend (rising), zunehmend (increasing)
Etymology
From 'rück-' (back) and a derivative of 'laufen' (to run). Literally means 'running back'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a line on a graph 'running back' downwards, indicating a decline. Often used for economic data.