ebb

1 of 2

noun

ˈeb 

1

: the reflux of the tide toward the sea

2

: a point or condition of decline

our spirits were at a low ebb

ebb

2 of 2

verb

ebbed; ebbing; ebbs

intransitive verb

1

: to recede from the flood

2

: to fall from a higher to a lower level or from a better to a worse state

his popularity ebbed

Synonyms

Noun

• decadence
• declension
• declination
• decline
• degeneracy
• degeneration
• degradation
• dégringolade
• descent
• deterioration
• devolution
• downfall
• downgrade
• eclipse
• fall

Verb

• atrophy
• crumble
• decay
• decline
• degenerate
• descend
• deteriorate
• devolve
• regress
• retrograde
• rot
• sink
• worsen

Choose the Right Synonym for ebb

abate, subside, wane, ebb mean to die down in force or intensity.

abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing.

the storm abated

subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation.

the protests subsided after a few days

wane suggests the fading or weakening of something good or impressive.

waning enthusiasm

ebb suggests the receding of something (such as the tide) that commonly comes and goes.

the ebbing of daylight

Examples of ebb in a Sentence

Noun

Morale seems to have reached its lowest ebb.

a surprising ebb in the quality of workmanship in goods coming from that country

Verb

waiting for the tide to ebb

the fortunes of the town slowly ebbed as factory after textile factory closed

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Real Madrid will go into their Champions League quarter-final first leg away to Arsenal at their lowest ebb this season. —Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025

The number of players in the organization who could thrive during their inexpensive entry-level deals is at a low ebb. —Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

Verb

Yet after two world wars and decades of political and economic decline, London watched as sterling’s global status ebbed away. —Edward Fishman, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025

Even though mandates largely fell out of favor as the pandemic ebbed, the outcome of the legal challenge will determine how much power businesses and organizations have to investigate exemption requests in case of a future resurgence, prompting new mandates. —Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English ebbe, from Old English ebba; akin to Middle Dutch ebbe ebb, Old English of from — more at of

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ebb

• ebb and flow
• ebb tide

Rhymes for ebb

• deb
• web
• cobweb

Kids Definition

ebb

1 of 2 noun

ˈeb 

1

: the flow away from the shore of seawater brought in by the tide

2

: a passing from a high to a low point

our spirits were at a low ebb

also : the time of such a passing

ebb

2 of 2 verb

1

: to recede from the flood

2

: to fall from a higher level or better state : weaken

her strength ebbed