tail off
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To gradually subside or diminish.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
After losing to Sam Querrey in the third round of Wimbledon in 2016, Djokovic alluded to difficulties in his personal life and his form subsequently tailed off.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “tail off” mean?
To gradually subside or diminish.
Is “tail off” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.