slippery slope

noun

: a course of action that seems to lead inevitably from one action or result to another with unintended consequences

Examples of slippery slope in a Sentence

His behavior will lead him down a slippery slope to ruin.
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.
Separating or normalizing not living with a spouse is [a] slippery slope. Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025 Republicans claimed the measure would create a slippery slope for members to abuse the practice, despite it being narrowly tailored toward new and expectant parents. Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2025 However, not all slippery slope arguments are fallacious. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 Ford playfully dodges that question, noting that accepting such technology is a slippery slope. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slippery slope

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of slippery slope was in 1951

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Cite this Entry

“Slippery slope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slippery%20slope. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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