downdraft
noun
down·draft
ˈdau̇n-ˌdraft 
1
: a downward current of gas (such as air during a thunderstorm)
2
: decline sense 1
an economic downdraft
Examples of downdraft in a Sentence
a strong downdraft from the thunderstorm
Recent Examples on the Web
His only stipulation — which the producers insist was unnecessary — was that no downdraft blast his direction while climbing.
—
Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026
The evidence that most Wall Street pundits cite is the downdraft in technology stocks, including software companies that (according to the narrative) may lose their franchise to AI bots.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Software stocks led the latest downdraft, with the S & P 500 software index sliding 5% Thursday and retreating for a seventh straight day, helping push the entire S & P 500 lower for a third day.
—Scott Schnipper, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2026
For insurance against a possible economic downdraft, especially as private labor market data show signs of slowing, analysts said.
—Rachel Barber, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downdraft
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Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026
The evidence that most Wall Street pundits cite is the downdraft in technology stocks, including software companies that (according to the narrative) may lose their franchise to AI bots.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Software stocks led the latest downdraft, with the S & P 500 software index sliding 5% Thursday and retreating for a seventh straight day, helping push the entire S & P 500 lower for a third day.
—Scott Schnipper, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2026
For insurance against a possible economic downdraft, especially as private labor market data show signs of slowing, analysts said.
—Rachel Barber, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downdraft
Cite this Entry
“Downdraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downdraft. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
downdraft
noun
down·draft
-ˌdraft
-ˌdrȧft
: a downward current of gas (as air in a chimney or during a thunderstorm)
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