1. People who believe that a country, civilization, or institution is in decline or experiencing a period of deterioration.
Usage: Plural form of declinist; Often used in political or historical discourse

Examples

• Some declinists argue that American manufacturing has weakened over the past decades.
• The declinists pointed to falling test scores as evidence of educational deterioration.
• Not all economists are declinists; many believe the economy will recover.
• Political declinists often cite rising debt and political polarization as signs of national decay.
• The debate between declinists and optimists has shaped policy discussions for years.