the act, fact, or process of diminishing; lessening; reduction.

Music . the repetition or imitation of a subject or theme in notes of shorter duration than those first used.

noun

development , enlargement , expansion , growth , increase

noun

abatement , alleviation , contraction , curtailment , cut , cutback , decay , decline , decrease , deduction , retrenchment , weakening , decrement , diminishment , drain , reduction , slash , slowdown , taper , lessening