Diminution

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The act of diminishing, or of making or becoming less; state of being diminished; reduction in size, quantity, or degree; -- opposed to augmentation or increase.

2. The act of lessening dignity or consideration, or the state of being deprived of dignity; a lowering in estimation; degradation; abasement. The world's opinion or diminution of me. Eikon Basilike. Nor thinks it diminution to be ranked In military honor next. Philips.

3. Omission, inaccuracy, or defect in a record.

4. In counterpoint, the imitation of, or reply to, a subject, in notes of half the length or value of those the subject itself.

Synonyms: Decrease; decay; abatement; reduction; deduction; decrement.