<p><strong>Verb (used without object):</strong></p><ul><li>to become smaller and smaller; shrink; waste away: His vast fortune has dwindled away.</li><li>to fall away, as in quality; degenerate.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used with object):</strong></p><ul><li>to make smaller and smaller; cause to shrink: Failing health dwindles ambition.</li></ul>