"Less and less" is an idiomatic phrase that is used to denote a gradual decrease in quantity, quality, frequency, or intensity of something over time. It signifies a diminishing or reducing trend, implying a progressive decline in the degree or extent of a particular characteristic or attribute.
The phrase can be understood as an expression of comparative degree, conveying a comparison between two or more instances where the initial or starting point possesses a greater amount, value, or occurrence than in subsequent instances. The use of repetition in the phrase emphasizes the ongoing nature of the reduction, effectively highlighting the continuous diminishing nature of the phenomenon being described.
For example, one might say, "With each passing day, his interest in playing video games is waning, and he spends less and less time on them." This means that the individual's enthusiasm for video games is gradually decreasing, leading to a progressive decline in the amount of time he dedicates to playing them.
In summary, the phrase "less and less" represents the idea of a steadily decreasing quantity, quality, frequency, or intensity of something as time progresses. It underscores the notion that the characteristic being referred to is progressively becoming smaller or less frequent, indicating an ongoing trend of diminishing value or occurrence.
