softening
adjective[before noun]
uk/ˈsɒfənɪŋ/usFINANCE,STOCK MARKET
that hasstoppedincreasingor that isfalling:
A softeningjobmarketeventuallywillmeanslowerwagegrowth.
The state'sunemploymentratehasremainedremarkablystableat verylowratesdespiteasofteningnationaleconomy.
softening
noun[S]
uk/ˈsɒfənɪŋ/usFINANCE,STOCK MARKET
alackofincreaseor areductionin thelevelof something:
a softening in sthA softening inoilpriceshashelpedalleviatesome of thedamage.
Heseesasoftening indemandfrom thecurrentboom's nouveauxriches, whosehigh-techwealthiswaning.
a softening of sth (against sth)The NIKKEIadvanced, withblue-chipexportersboundinghigheron a softening of theyenagainst thedollar.
areductionin howsevereorunpleasantsomething is:
a softening of sthTheministerforimmigrationrecentlyannounceda softening ofpolicy.
Thegeneralsoftening of society'sattitudetowards theconsumptionofcertainillegaldrugshasraisedconcernsover theimpactofdrugsatwork.