"in descending order" vs "in decreasing order"

Question

"in descending order" vs "in decreasing order"

Both "in descending order" and "in decreasing order" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "In descending order" is commonly used when arranging items from highest to lowest, while "in decreasing order" is used more generally to indicate a decrease in some quantity or value.

Last Updated: March 27, 2024

This phrase is used when arranging items from highest to lowest, such as numbers, ranks, or sizes.

Examples:

Please list the scores in descending order.
Sort the books in descending order of publication date.

Alternatives:

from highest to lowest
in reverse order
in decreasing sequence
in decreasing fashion
in a descending manner

This phrase can be used to indicate a decrease in some quantity or value, not necessarily related to arranging items.

Examples:

The temperature chart shows the values in decreasing order.
The company's profits have been listed in decreasing order.

Alternatives:

in decreasing sequence
in decreasing fashion
in a decreasing manner
from higher to lower
in a decreasing fashion

Answer 1

in descending order

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

in decreasing order

This phrase is correct but used in a more general context.

"in descending order" vs "in decreasing order"

in descending order

in decreasing order

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