a bending, sloping, or moving downward.

deterioration; decline.

a swerving or deviating, as from a standard.

a polite refusal.

Astronomy . the angular distance of a heavenly body from the celestial equator, measured on the great circle passing through the celestial pole and the body.

variation ( def. 8 ) .

the formal refusal by a nominee of a nomination to public office.

noun

atrophy , decadence , declension , decline , degeneracy , degeneration , deterioration