downward spiral

noun

: a situation in which something continuously decreases or gets worse

Her life was in a downward spiral as she battled depression and addiction.

Examples of downward spiral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The New York Rangers may have won their last two of three games, but their downward spiral over the last month and a half has cratered their playoff chances to 19 percent. —

Shayna Goldman, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025 However, his deadly downward spiral began four days prior, on Dec. 14. —

Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024 That means using a form of cognitive acceptance, which is a surer path to pulling out of a downward spiral. —

Scott Mautz, Contributor, CNBC, 15 Dec. 2024 Inflation rose month to month by 0.2%, which was the second consecutive month that inflation went up after a six-month downward spiral. —

Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for downward spiral

Cite this Entry

Style

“Downward spiral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downward%20spiral. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

Copy Citation