Devolution and Dwindling

noun

• The process of declining from a higher to a lower level of effective power or vitality or essential quality.
  • synonyms: degeneration
• The delegation of authority (especially from a central to a regional government. ).
  • synonyms: devolvement

• (n.) The act of rolling down.
• (n.) Transference from one person to another; a passing or devolving upon a successor.

DEVOLUTION is the delegation of authority from higher to lower levels.

noun

• A becoming gradually less.
  • usage: "there is no greater sadness that the dwindling away of a family"
  • synonyms: dwindling away

verb

• Become smaller or lose substance.
  • usage: "Her savings dwindled down"
  • synonyms: dwindle, dwindle away, dwindle down

adjective

• Gradually decreasing until little remains.
  • synonyms: tapering, tapering off