Choose the most appropriate word from the options given below to complete the following sentence:
There is no fixed relation between food and famine; famines can occur with or without a substantial ________ in food output.
A. aberration B. weakening C. decline D. deterioration
GATE 2010 · General Aptitude · Most Appropriate Word · medium
Answer: C. decline
Analyze the context: The sentence pairs 'substantial ________ in food output' with the idea that the change may or may not lead to famine. The blank must be a noun indicating a downward shift in quantity.
Eliminate distractors: A. aberration — means anomaly/deviation, not a decrease. B. weakening — more appropriate for strength/resolve, odd with 'output'. D. deterioration — refers to quality worsening, not a quantitative decrease in output. C. decline — precise economic/agricultural term for a decrease in output. Answer: C.